The diode-pumped atomic vapor laser is a novel type of laser which takes advantage of the efficiencies of semiconductor lasers to provide a compact, efficient laser source capable of high power at blue and ultraviolet wavelengths, as well as red and infrared. In this laser, two semiconductor lasers at different wavelengths are used to excite atoms in a vapor cell to a high energy state. Photons are emitted when the atoms return to a lower state. Placing the cell in an optical resonant cavity produces a laser. The primary objective of this research is to demonstrate the principle of a diode-pumped atomic vapor laser by building a 761 nm laser using a cesium vapor cell with 852 nm and 794 nm semiconductor lasers for pumping. Measurements will be made of peak power, efficiency, and beam quality. After initial measurements are made, further tuning and measurements will be done to optimize the results. Once this is successful, preliminary work will begin on modifying the setup to produce a blue, UV, or mid-infrared laser.
