High Output Maximum Efficiency Resonator (HOMER) Laser for NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Lidar Mission

The HOMER cavity is a positive branch unstable resonator (PBUR), employing a Graded Reflectivity Mirror (GRM) with a Gaussian reflectivity profile. This produces high beam quality (TEM00) and produces high pulse energies typical of master oscillator/power amplifier (MOPA) designs, but with higher efficiency, Less optics, less volume/mass, excellent pointing. Paul Stysley, Barry Coyle, Greg Clarke, Demetrios Poulios, Richard Kay