Aspherical interferometric probe with wave-plate-array detection: system design and nonlinearity analysis.

Optical probes are the preferred choice for high-precision surface metrology, necessitating improved flexibility and a broader range of motion to adapt to the increasing complexity of surfaces. This study introduces an interferometric probe designed for measuring aspheric surfaces, utilizing a wave-plate-array detection component. By integrating splitter elements into the detector, the probe improves integration and dynamic scanning performance, while maintaining high-precision measurement capability.

Investigation of a versatile pulsed laser source based on a diode seed and ultra-high gain bounce geometry amplifiers.

We present an investigation of a versatile pulsed laser source using a low power, gain-switched diode laser with independently variable repetition rate and pulse duration to seed an ultra-high gain Nd:YVO4 bounce geometry amplifier system at 1064nm. Small-signal gain as high as 50dB was demonstrated in a bounce geometry pre-amplifier from just 24W pumping, with good preservation of TEM00 beam quality. The single amplifier is shown to be limited by amplified spontaneous emission.

High efficiency >26 W diode end-pumped Alexandrite laser.

We show for the first time that multi-ten Watt operation of an Alexandrite laser can be achieved with direct red diode-pumping and with high efficiency. An investigation of diode end-pumped Alexandrite rod lasers demonstrates continuous-wave output power in excess of 26W, more than an order of magnitude higher than previous diode end-pumping systems, and slope efficiency 49%, the highest reported for a diode-pumped Alexandrite laser. Wavelength tuning from 730 to 792nm is demonstrated using self-seeding feedback from an external grating.