EFFICIENT CONVERSION OF A RUBY LASER TO 0.347 μ IN LOW LOSS LITHIUM IODATE

Abstract
The second harmonic of a ruby laser has been produced in LiIO3 crystals, showing hardly any optical absorption at 0.347 μ. Using these new crystals external to the laser cavity conversion efficiencies up to 40% have been achieved using an incident unfocussed beam of about 130 MW/cm2. After 5–10 shots, a first small internal damage spot appeared inside the LiIO3 crystal. For a beam diameter of 3 mm several hundred shots with a conversion efficiency of 40% were possible.