Source: Sci-Projects
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The Ruby Laser: A Solid-State Laser Overview

Introduction to Ruby Lasers

A ruby laser is a type of solid-state laser that utilizes a synthetic ruby crystal doped with chromium as its gain medium. The first ruby laser was demonstrated in 1960 by Theodore H. Maiman, emitting a red light at 694.3 nm. Unlike many other solid-state lasers that operate in the infrared region, ruby lasers produce visible red light, making them unique in the laser technology landscape.

Operating Principles

Ruby lasers are three-level laser systems, which means they require high pump intensities to achieve laser gain. They are typically pumped using flash lamps, either in free-running mode or with Q-switching for generating nanosecond pulses with high peak power. While ruby lasers can achieve high pulse energies, their beam quality is often limited.

Applications of Ruby Lasers

Initially, ruby lasers found applications in laser rangefinders, high-speed photography, pulsed holography, and medical procedures like tattoo and hair removal. Today, Q-switched ruby lasers are used in diamond drilling applications.

Challenges and Limitations

One of the main challenges of ruby lasers is their pump wavelengths, which are in the green or blue spectral region, making them less efficient compared to lasers with four-level gain media like Nd:YAG. This limitation, along with their three-level characteristics, hinders their widespread use in various applications.

Conclusion

While ruby lasers have played a significant role in the history of laser technology and continue to be utilized in specific applications, their limitations in terms of pump efficiency and beam quality have restricted their widespread adoption in comparison to other laser systems.

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