Efficient passively Q-switched miniature Yb:Lu3Ga5O12 crystal laser

A passively Q-switched miniature Yb:Lu3Ga5O12 crystal laser is demonstrated under 935-nm diode pumping, producing an average output power of 3.21 W at 1035 nm at a pulse repetition frequency of 26.3 kHz, with optical-to-optical and slope efficiencies being 36.5% and 60%, respectively. With the output coupling being increased and the initial transmission of the saturable absorber being lowered, an output power of 1.61 W at 1026 nm is generated at 8.3 kHz, the resulting pulse energy, duration and peak power were respectively 194 μJ, 2.5 ns and 77.6 kW.