Abstract: A laser transmitter assembly for use in a Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar (“CDWL”) system includes a telescope/scanner assembly, a receiver, and a master oscillator crystal and a power amplifier crystal each constructed of Ho:YAG. The crystals are end-pumped to transmit an output beam through the telescope/scanner assembly with a high repetition rate of 200-300 Hz and 35 mJ of energy. As part of the CDWL system, a pump laser end-pumps the master oscillator and power amplifier crystals using a pump beam having a nominal wavelength of 1.905 ?m. A seed laser transmits a seeding beam into the master oscillator crystal at a nominal wavelength of 2.0965 ?m. The telescope/scanner assembly transmits the generated laser beam through an atmosphere toward a scene of interest, collects a backscattered return signal, and communicates the backscattered return signal to the receiver during operation of the CDWL system.

Abstract: A dynamic, thermally-adaptive cuboid laser crystal mount is provided that is suitable for use with end-pumped, conductively-cooled solid state lasers. Various embodiments may provide a mount for supporting a cuboid rod host crystal for an end-pumping solid state laser. Various embodiments may solve laser crystal stress problems typically experienced in end-pumped solid state lasers. Various embodiments may also provide access to the crystal end surfaces for pumping and enable and maintain sturdy alignment of the crystal with continuous and uniform surface contact between the mount and the crystal. Various embodiments of mounts may provide a compact conductive cooling configuration compatible with any heat sink reservoir, controlling and maintaining a stable crystal temperature, thus avoiding thermally induced mechanical stresses. Various embodiment mounts may thereby further extend the fracture threshold of the laser crystal.

Abstract: A laser transmitter assembly for use in a Coherent Doppler Wind Lidar (“CDWL”) system includes a telescope/scanner assembly, a receiver, and a master oscillator crystal and a power amplifier crystal each constructed of Ho:YAG. The crystals are end-pumped to transmit an output beam through the telescope/scanner assembly with a high repetition rate of 200-300 Hz and 35 mJ of energy. As part of the CDWL system, a pump laser end-pumps the master oscillator and power amplifier crystals using a pump beam having a nominal wavelength of 1.905 ?m. A seed laser transmits a seeding beam into the master oscillator crystal at a nominal wavelength of 2.0965 ?m. The telescope/scanner assembly transmits the generated laser beam through an atmosphere toward a scene of interest, collects a backscattered return signal, and communicates the backscattered return signal to the receiver during operation of the CDWL system.