Title :
Configuration Q-switching in a diode-pumped multirod variable-configuration resonator
Author :
MacDonald, Michael P. ; Graf, Thomas ; Balmer, Jürg E. ; Weber, Heinz P.
Author_Institution :
Inst. of Appl. Phys., Bern Univ., Switzerland
fDate :
2/1/1998 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We report on a novel technique for Q-switching at high repetition rates, where the change in the Q of the cavity is due to the capability of a variable-configuration multirod resonator (VCR) to switch between an unstable Fabry-Perot configuration and a stable ring configuration. The switching between the configurations is accomplished simply by the means of a Pockels cell. Using the new Q-switching technique, 35-ns-long pulses with a peak power of 17 kW at a repetition rate of 4 kHz, giving an average power of 2.4 W, were obtained
Keywords :
Fabry-Perot resonators; Pockels effect; Q-switching; electro-optical modulation; laser cavity resonators; optical pumping; ring lasers; solid lasers; 17 kW; 2.4 W; 35 ns; 4 kHz; Pockels cell; VCR; average power; cavity; configuration Q-switching; diode-pumped multirod variable-configuration resonator; high repetition rates; peak power; stable ring configuration; unstable Fabry-Perot configuration; Crystals; Diodes; Laser excitation; Laser stability; Optical polarization; Optical retarders; Pump lasers; Ring lasers; Switches; Video recording;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
