Power/energy limiter using reverse saturable absorption

D. J. Harter, M. L. Shand, Y. B. Band

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

In materials with an excited-state absorption cross section larger than the ground-state absorption cross section, increasing the incident light intensity (thus populating the excited state) increases the absorption. We show that such a reverse saturable absorber can function as a power limiter and pulse smoother for long pulses and as an energy limiter and pulse shortener for short pulses. The necessary properties for such a material are described. Reverse saturable absorption is demonstrated at 488 nm in alexandrite. A simple model describing these effects is presented.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)865-868
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume56
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 1984
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy (all)

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