Coherent Radiation Generation in an Alexandrite Laser

Highly coherent radiation smoothly tunable in a specified wavelength range is required for efficient operation of lidar systems. This work experimentally studies generation of coherent radiation in a compound dispersion cavity of an alexandrite laser with various spectral and spatial selectors located in the external and fundamental-wave cavities, respectively. The mode structure of the output radiation is analyzed depending on the selective properties of the used cavity. Compound cavity operating conditions necessary for generation of narrow-band tunable radiation in the self-injection mode are considered. Improved characteristics of alexandrite laser output radiation are to ensure efficient radiation conversion into higher harmonics, thus expanding the scope of application of these lasers in lidar systems.