Abstract

Passively Q-switched operation of solid-state lasers by Cr⁴⁺:YAG saturable absorbers is a simple and cost effective technique to achieve high peak powers in nano- and sub-nanosecond pulses In the low power regime, microchip lasers are especially attractive due to their compactness and potential for mass production. However, if a high average output power is required, e.g for pump sources of OPOs [1] and OPGs, the use of these conventional, linear laser cavities is limited. Stable single-frequency operation can only be guaranteed at relatively low levels of average output power. Significantly higher single-frequency output powers have been achieved by Q-switched operation of nonplanar Nd:YAG ring tasers (NPROs) with discrete elements ^[2].

© 2000 IEEE