Passive Q-switching of a diode-side-pumped Nd doped 1.3 μμm ceramic YAG bounce laser

High power passive Q-switching of a diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG ceramic bounce laser at 1.3 μm is demonstrated. The laser operates from 18 to 114 kHz pulse repetition frequency, producing pulses of 55–140 ns duration. Average output power of 5.8 W was obtained from 52 W of pump power. Five Watts of high beam quality output was also achieved in an asymmetric cavity geometry.