Diode-end-pumped passively Q-switched 1.34 μm Nd:Gd0.5Y0.5VO4 laser with Co2+:LMA saturable absorber

In this paper, the output performances at 1.34 μm in continuous wave operation and passive Q-switching regime of a diode-end-pumped Nd:Gd0.5Y0.5VO4 laser have been investigated. The passive Q-switching regime was achieved with Co2+:LaMgAl11O19 (Co2+:LMA) saturable absorbers crystals. A maximum average output power of 230 mW was recorded with a Co2+:LMA with initial transmission of 81%. The minimum pulse duration was 116 ns, which corresponded to a repetition rate of 360 kHz, the single pulse energy of 2.1 μJ and the pulse peak power of 5.5 W.