Abstract

An analytical expression for the difference in buildup time between two longitudinal modes in a passively $Q$-switched laser resonator is developed and compared with experimental laser data. The results support the following temporal criterion for single-frequency, passively $Q$-switched operation: The difference in buildup time between any two longitudinal modes of the laser resonator should be comparable with or greater than the laser pulse duration to ensure single-frequency operation.

© 1999 Optical Society of America

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