Abstract

Q-switching and mode-locking have been widely used in laser technology. The most common Q-switching components at present are electrooptical devices such as KDP and saturable absorption dyes such as pentamethylidyne. The former has the disadvantage of high intracavity loss and low resistance to deliquescence and requires a high-voltage power supply and triggering system, while the latter has the disadvantages of poor optical quality, great fluctuation, and easy dissociation under the irradiation of powerful light. The ${\text{LiF:F}}_2^{-}$ crystal developed by us combines the advantages of both Q-switches mentioned above, namely, better optical performance, simplicity in operation, and long-term stability. It Is a Q-switching component with satisfactory properties.

© 1983 Optical Society of America