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Results for “Optical pumping”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Method and apparatus for efficient operation of optically pumped laser

An optically pumped single mode laser, e.g., Nd:YAG crystal (20) with planoconcave mirrors is increased in efficiency by an order of magnitude to about 8% by optics (25, 27) for focusing the high power multimode output of laser diode arrays (21, 22) into the mode volume (20') of the laser medium (20). A plurality of these optically pumped single mode lasers (1-4) may be cascaded in a ring with dichroic mirrors (M.sub.1 -M.sub.4) at the corners for coupling in the laser diode arrays, each having its own means for spatially tailoring its beam to concentrate pump distribution inside the lasing mode volume of the medium. An InGaAlAs pump diode (30) with its wavelength the same as the lasing medium makes the ring unidirectional.

Sipes, Jr., Donald L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Method and apparatus for efficient operation of an optically pumped laser

An optically pumped single mode laser, e.g. Nd:YAG crystal (20) with planoconcave mirrors is increased in efficiency by an order of magnitude to about 8% by optics (25, 27) for focusing the high power multimode output of laser diode arrays (21, 22) into the mode volume (20') of the laser medium (20). A plurality of these optically pumped single mode lasers (1-4) may be cascaded in a ring with dichroci mirrors (M.sub.1 -M.sub.4) at the corners for coupling in the laser diode arrays, each having its own means for spatially tailoring its beam to concentrate pump distribution inside the lasing mode volume of the medium. An InGaAlAs pump diode (30) with its wavelength of the same as a lasing medium makes the ring unidirectional. The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/002,473, filed Oct. 10, 1991, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1,570(e).

Sipes, Jr., Donald L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Terahertz Optical Gain Based on Intersubband Transitions in Optically-Pumped Semiconductor Quantum Wells: Coherent Pumped-Probe Interactions

Terahertz optical gain due to intersubband transitions in optically-pumped semiconductor quantum wells (QW's) is calculated nonperturbatively. We solve the pump- field-induced nonequilibrium distribution function for each subband of the QW system from a set of rate equations that include both intrasubband and intersubband relaxation processes. The gain arising from population inversion and stimulated Raman processes is calculated in a unified manner. We show that the coherent pump and signal wave interactions contribute significantly to the THz gain. Because of the optical Stark effect and pump-induced population redistribution, optical gain saturation at larger pump intensities is predicted.

Liu, Ansheng↗
NASA NTRS1992

Optical Pumping of Mesospheric Sodium: a New Measurement Capability

The first observation of laser-induced optical pumping in a remote sensing application is reported. We have observed a large variation in the amount of laser light resonantly backscattered from the earth's mesospheric sodium layer depending on the laser polarization. This is consistent with optical pumping of the mesospheric sodium atoms. A new lidar capability is being developed based on measurements of the rethermalization rate of the optically pumped sodium atoms. These measurements have potential applications in the fields of global warming research, spacecraft re-entry, and upper atmospheric dynamics.

Heinrichs, R. M.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Polarizing 3 He via metastability exchange optical pumping using a 1.2 mbar sealed cell at magnetic fields up to 5 T

Here, we report high nuclear polarization of 1.2 mbar 3 He gas in a sealed cell in magnetic fields up to 5 T using Metastability Exchange Optical Pumping (MEOP). The creation of a highly polarized 3 He gas target for use in the 5 T field of Jefferson Lab’s CLAS12 spectrometer would enable new studies of spin-dependent asymmetries on the neutron. We describe a systematic study which was conducted for the first time up to the full 5 T field required for the final target design to evaluate the effects of discharge intensity, pump laser power, and optical pumping transition schemes on nuclear polarization and pumping rates. Steady-state polarizations up to 86% in magnetic fields between 2 and 5 T were achieved, with a discharge-on relaxation time of 898 s at 5 T. These results underscore the potential of MEOP for high-field applications in nuclear physics experiments.

3He polarization↗
NASA NTRS1991

Development of an optically-pumped cesium standard at the Aerospace Corporation

We have initiated a research program to study the performance of compact optically-pumped cesium (Cs) frequency standards, which have potential for future timekeeping applications in space. A Cs beam clock apparatus has been assembled. Basic functions of the frequency standard have been demonstrated. Clock signals are observed with optical pumping schemes using one or two lasers. With two laser pumping, we are able to selectively place up to 80 percent of the atomic population into one of the clock transition states. The observed pattern of clock signal indicates that the velocity distribution of the Cs atoms contributing to the microwave signal is beam-Maxwellian. Thus, in the optically-pumped Cs frequency standards, the entire Cs population in the atomic beam could be utilized to generate the clock signals. This is in contrast to the conventional Cs beam standards where only approx. 1 percent of the atoms in the beam are used. More efficient Cs consumption can lead to improved reliability and increased useful lifetime of the clock. Our preliminary results are summarized in this paper

Yat C. Chan↗
NASA NTRS1978

Elimination of the light shift in rubidium gas cell frequency standards using pulsed optical pumping

Changes in the intensity of the light source in an optically pumped, rubidium, gas cell frequency standard can produce corresponding frequency shifts, with possible adverse effects on the long-term frequency stability. A pulsed optical pumping apparatus was constructed with the intent of investigating the frequency stability in the absence of light shifts. Contrary to original expectations, a small residual frequency shift due to changes in light intensity was experimentally observed. Evidence is given which indicates that this is not a true light-shift effect. Preliminary measurements of the frequency stability of this apparatus, with this small residual pseudo light shift present, are presented. It is shown that this pseudo light shift can be eliminated by using a more homogeneous C-field. This is consistent with the idea that the pseudo light shift is due to inhomogeneity in the physics package (position-shift effect).

English, T. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

An optically pumped submillimeter wavelength regenerative amplifier

An optically pumped regenerative submillimeter laser amplifier is described. The amplifier uses a waveguide cavity resonator, and a Fabry-Perot interferometer composed of two dielectric-coated mirrors serves as input and output port for the submillimeter signal. Use of two mirrors enabled obtaining variations of up to 6:1 in transmission by varying the mirror spacing. When the 373-micron transition in CH3CN is excited in the oscillator by the CO2 laser pump beam, the received signal with amplification is about nine times the unamplified signal.

Galantowicz, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Energy-transfer mechanisms in the CH3F-SF6 optically pumped laser

The power of an optically pumped CH3F laser operating on the 496-micron line has been doubled with the addition of SF6 without any corresponding increase in pump absorption. It is suggested that a near-resonant energy transfer between CH3F and SF6 followed by SF6 deactivation is the mechanism responsible for the enhancement.

Lawandy, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Diode laser 87Rb optical pumping in an evacuated wall-coated cell

The evacuated wall coated sealed cell coupled with diode laser optical pumping offers a number of attractive potential advantages for use in Rb or Cs atomic frequency standards. An investigation of systematic effects is required to explore possible limitations of the technique. The use of diode laser optical pumping of 87 Rb in an evacuated wall coated sealed cell is presented. Experimental results/discussion to be presented include the signal strength and line broadening of the 0 - 0 hyperfine resonance as a function of light intensity for the D1 optical transitions (F - F prime) - (2 1 prime) and (2 - 2 prime), shift of the 0 - 0 hyperfine frequency as a function of laser intensity and de-tuning from optical resonance, and diode laser frequency stabilization techniques.

Lee, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A laser head for simultaneous optical pumping of several dye lasers

Device accomplishes simultaneous optical pumping using single flashlamp and electrical driver. Dye lasers require relatively low energy to operate (low-threshold pumping requirement) and provide simple method for producing simultaneous independent laser output at number of different wavelengths.

Mumola, P. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Collisional narrowing by polyatomic buffer gases in an optically pumped CH3F laser

The gain linewidth of an optically pumped CH3F molecular laser is observed with the addition of various polyatomic buffer gases. This is interpreted as collisional (Dicke) narrowing. The measurement is the first observation of collisional narrowing by polyatomic buffer gases. It is also the first observation of the effect in a laser oscillator. The effect was observed using a heterodyne mixing technique at the laser emission frequency of 604 GHz. Collision cross sections for SF6-CH3F and CS2-CH3F are obtained.

Lawandy, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Optically pumped submillimeter-waves and applications

Rapid development of optically pumped lasers has shown the potential to be used as a source for a high resolution spectrometer. In this connection, a compact, stable FIR laser was designed, fabricated, and assembled, integrating both the pump laser and the FIR cavity in the same mechanical structure for its improved (both thermal and mechanical) stability and mobility. Performance of the mixer structure which was designed and constructed for the evaluation of the Schottky diodes was found to be satisfactory. The feasibility of generating tunable sideband for molecular spectroscopy studies was demonstrated.

Dutta, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A proposed optical pumping system requiring no electric power

A method for optically pumping a fluid without electrical power is described. The method is based on utilizing the radiation from a metal oxidant combustion reaction that is contained within a transparent tube that is immersed in the medium to be pumped. The reaction initiation and maintenance occurs by gas dynamically induced resonance within the transparent cavity. All that is required is a supply of high pressure oxidant and metallic powder. Materials that were successfully evaluated to date include aluminum, steel, magnesium, and titanium.

Phillips, B. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Assignment of the /Li-7/2 optically pumped laser transitions pumped by Ar/+/ and Kr/+/ laser lines

Welling and Wellegehausen (1977) have reported a list of Na2 and Li2 lines (belonging to B-X and A-X systems) which lase when vapors of these dimers are pumped with an Ar(+) or Kr(+) laser. A description is presented of a fluorescence study of the A-X system of the (Li-7)2 molecule excited by a Kr(+) laser (6471 A). The optically pumped laser lines are identified as P and R doublets in two different fluorescence series. The conditions which favor lasing action of these lines are pointed out. All but one of the known optically pumped laser lines of (Li-7)2 along with their assignments are presented in a table. For each pumping line, several additional wavelengths are listed which satisfy the condition for laser oscillations and which might well lase well under slightly improved conditions.

Verma, K. K.↗