Pulsed Dye Lasers--A New Source Of Coherent Light Energy For Holographic Applications

This paper reexamines laser-excited pulsed dye lasers since they may be advantageous over other types of pulsed lasers in some holographic applications. Of particular interest is the capability of dye lasers to generate sufficient energy per pulse and with sufficient coherence to record holograms. This capability was demonstrated just recently (Ref. 1) and will be discussed in more detail in this paper. The additional capabilities of the dye laser to be frequency tuned throughout the entire visible spectrum and to operate at two or more frequencies have potential importance in holographic contouring and underwater holography. (Dyes can be selected and tuned to match the optimum transmissivity of the working medium.) The selective interaction of dye laser light with living organisms may permit minute dimensional changes to be observed and measured. The low intrinsic cost of the active materials and operational reliability of dye lasers are other desirable features.© (1974) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.