ABSTRACT
Solid state lasing material, which is usually in the form of a rod, is optically excited (pumped) using a flashlamp (pulsed applications) or an arclamp (continuous use). Typical laser rods are 10-15 cm long and 4-10 mm in diameter with a matching size for the lamp. The lamp is closely coupled optically to the rod. The output from the laser is primarily controlled by delivering a pre-determined amount of energy per pulse into the flashlamp (pulsed output) or controlling the electrical power into the arclamp (continuous output). Monitoring the laser output and using this as a feedback signal to the power supply can achieve additional control. A power supply is needed to isolate the lamp from input supply variations, ignite the lamp into conduction and control the energy or power into the lamp. For pulse systems, there is an additional requirement to maintain the arc in the lamp between pulses.
