A simple and versatile electronic control system for a picosecond Nd:YLF oscillator - Nd:glass amplifier laser chain

High power pulsed Nd:glass lasers delivering a peak power of tens to hundreds of gigawatts are widely used for a variety of scientific investigations such as intense x-ray generation, laser - plasma interactions, nonlinear optical frequency conversion in gases and laser material processing. Such systems usually consist of a master oscillator followed by a number of amplifier stages. Describes a simple microprocessor-based system for controlling various operations of a picosecond laser chain which includes a Nd:YLF oscillator - amplifier, high power Nd:phosphate glass laser amplifiers, a Faraday isolator and a mechanical shutter. This system is modular, with scope for expansion, and is resistant to electromagnetic interference. Reliable operation of the control system is demonstrated from the gain measurements of the Nd:glass laser amplifier stage. (Abstract quotes from original text)