Samarium oxide glaze for laser systems

Developed for high-energy, pulsed Q-switching infrared laser applications, a high-absorption samarium oxide glaze from Morgan Advanced Materials absorbs radiation at the Nd:YAG lasing wavelength of 1064nm and its further transitions near 940, 1120, 1320, and 1440nm. A significant amount of fluorescent radiation at the lasing wavelength escapes laterally from the laser rod into the surrounding pumping cavity. Absorbing this radiation prevents it from being reflected back into the laser rod, which would in turn stimulate decay from the upper laser transition level, thereby limiting the number of excited ions that can occupy that level. By preventing this decay, the maximum output energy obtained from the laser is increased. The company's high-absorption samarium oxide glaze is formulated through the controlled addition of dopant to create optimum reflectance properties.

Applying the glaze to the company's Sintox AL laser pump cavity material produces the high diffuse reflectivity required to achieve uniform illumination of the laser rod surface. Providing typically 98-percent reflectance in the desired wavelength range, the new samarium oxide glaze matches yellow (GSY) and clear (GSO) glazes between 700 and 900nm.

For more information, please visit http://www.morgantechnicalceramics.com/laserreflectors.