Radial distribution of radiation in a CuBr vapor brightness amplifier used in laser monitors

The paper presents a study of the effect of excitation conditions in a CuBr vapor brightness amplifier in a monostatic laser monitor on the radial non-uniformity of the radiation bearing the information about the object being visualized. A significant dependence of radial signal distribution on the concentrations of CuBr, HBr and pumping power has been demonstrated. In particular, an increase in CuBr vapor concentration causes the gain profile of the active medium to constrict and the axial gain to increase. The conditions for the most uniform radial distribution of the laser monitor signal are substantially different from those for the maximum radiated power. The paper demonstrates HBr doping to be usable as a tool to correct the non-uniformity of the radial distribution of laser monitor radiation. An addition of similar to 0.15 Torr HBr broadens and flattens the radiation profile, improving an important aspect of laser monitor image quality.