Fluorescence-based test of fiber-optic continuity.

There is considerable interest in the use of lasers and optical fibers for the initiation of pyrotechnics. In this application the need develops for a means of testing the continuity of the initiation fiber before initiation of the pyrotechnic. We present proof of the feasibility of an unambiguous continuity test using the fluorescence returned by the fiber from a fluorescent material in or near the pyrotechnic.

Wavelength-tunable synchronous amplification of picosecond dye-laser pulses near 1 microm.

We report use of the dye Styryl 13 for picosecond synchronous amplification in a noncollinear longitudinally pumped dye-amplifier arrangement. In this manner we obtained pulses ~5 psec in duration, tunable from 900 to 990 nm, with energy up to 300 microJ, and focusable to near the diffraction limit.

Characterization of a high-gain picosecond flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG regenerative amplifier.

We evaluate the performance of a novel 10-Hz picosecond Nd:YAG regenerative amplifier configured as a selffiltering unstable resonator. Pulse energies of ~60 mJ in ~100 psec at 1.06 microm are achieved using a single 6-mm-diameter Nd:YAG rod, while mode-matching requirements are minimized.