Professor Simon Hooker: Publications

Measurement of the electron-density profile in a discharge-ablated capillary waveguide

Optics Letters 24:14 (1999) 993-995

Authors:

DJ Spence, PDS Burnett, SM Hooker

Abstract:

Discharged-ablated capillary waveguides were investigated based on electron-density profile using time-resolved interferometric measurements. A pronounced axial minimum with a relative depth of as much as 60% of the axial electron density was developed in the electron density profile. Results showed that this profile can be used for high-intensity laser pulse tunneling.

Investigation of a discharge-ablated capillary waveguide for high-intensity laser pulses

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) (1999) 410-411

Authors:

SM Hooker, DJ Spence, RA Smith

Effects of a prepulse in the femtosecond-pulse-driven Xe IX laser

Journal of the Optical Society of America B: Optical Physics 14:10 (1997) 2735-2741

Authors:

SM Hooker, PT Epp, GY Yin

Abstract:

We describe experiments that demonstrate the detrimental effect of a prepulse on the femtosecond-pulse-driven Xe IX laser. The mechanism of this effect is discussed in terms of the results of a hydrodynamic model of the preplasma formed by the prepulse. The benefit of inserting a simple electro-optic switch that allows full transmission of the main driving pulse, but reduces the prepulse to a level at which no preplasma is formed, is demonstrated experimentally. © 1997 Optical Society of America.

Light at the end of the tunnel? Femtosecond pulses excite short-wavelength lasers

Optics and Photonics News 8:4 (1997) 21-25

Abstract:

Hooker explores current work in the XUV and soft x-ray spectral region aimed at achieving "table-top" short-wavelength lasers.

Vacuum ultraviolet gain measurements in optically pumped LiYF4:Nd³⁺

Applied Physics B: Lasers and Optics 64:3 (1997) 293-300

Authors:

JS Cashmore, SM Hooker, CE Webb

Abstract:

We present measurements of the net-induced gain on the 5d-4f transition at 186 nm in LiYF4:Nd3+ optically pumped by radiation from a molecular fluorine laser. It is found that for LiYF4: Nd3+ one of a series of potential continuously tunable VUV lasers, relatively strong excited-state absorption results in net-induced loss. The prospects for VUV laser operation being realised in other rare-earth-doped fluorides is discussed.

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