Output characteristics of a flashlamp pumped Nd:YAG laser at 1444 nm

An investigation of the output characteristics of Nd:YAG lasers operating at a wavelength of 1444 nm using a Xe-flashlamp of 450 Torr, a Xe-flashlamp of 700 Torr, and a Kr-flashlamp of 700 Torr is reported. The highest electrical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 1.83% was attained using the Kr-flashlamp of 700 Torr with a repetition rate of 20 Hz, a pumping pulse width of 144 μs, and an input energy of 31.7 J. The investigation concluded that output energy depends on the temperature of cooling water. The results showed a 3% decrease in output energy at an input energy of 31.7 J as the temperature of cooling water was increased from 23 to 38 °C.