Abstract: Autocorrelation traces of laser pulses of short duration are produced by a method and apparatus that uses a rotating glass block to vary the path length on a time scale rapid enough to display the traces on a synchronized oscilloscope. Both paths of a split input beam of a laser pulse pass through the glass block. Rotation of the glass block changes the relative time of travel for light pulses along the two paths. The paths of the two beam arms pass through the block from different directions at a relative angle chosen so that the relative travel time difference is nearly linearly related to the angular position of the block during its rotation.Autocorrelation with rapid scanning through rotation of the block enables measurement of repetitive laser light pulses of very short duration, down to the order of one picosecond.

Abstract: A face pumped slab laser includes a housing within a resonator cavity for housing a slab of host material and a light source for pumping the slab. The slab is mounted in a holder which is readily inserted in or retracted from the housing. The holder rigidly supports the slab without inducing stresses therein. The holder includes first and second longitudinal support members with generally U-shaped cross sections for engaging the top and bottom surfaces of the slab. Each end of the slab is engaged by two cooperating support members which have surfaces for receiving the periphery of the face of the slab. Ears on the first and second support members mate with brackets on support members at either end of the slab.