Multikilowatt Pockels cell for high average power laser systems

Abstract

We describe in detail the design and performance of a multikilowatt Pockels cell for use in high average power laser systems. The Pockels cell is a gas-cooled, transversely excited electro-optic switch based on KD*P as the electro-optic material. Matched pairs of crystals with different crystallographic orientations are used to make the switch performance insensitive to the operating point and ambient temperature. Excellent switching performance and low-wave-front distortion have been achieved at average power levels in excess of 1 kW.