Passively Q-switched, high peak power Nd:YAG laser pumped by QCW diode laser

A Nd:YAG laser passively Q-switched by a Cr:YAG showed a high single pulse energy of 53.0 mJ and 5.1 MW peak power. The laser was pumped by quasi-continuous-wave diode bars from single side. The Q-switched pulse had optical-to-optical efficiency of 12% and average temporal duration of 10.4 ns when Cr:YAG with initial transmission of 9.0% was used. Intense pumping as well as very low initial transmission of the saturable absorber gave very high peak power.

► We fabricated a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser side-pumped by QCW diode bars.
► The laser showed peak power of 5.1 MW.
► Passive Q-switching by Cr:YAG gave high peak for the side-pumped laser.
► Low initial transmission of the saturable absorber gave very high peak power.
► Passive Q-switching of Nd:YAG can provide enough peak power for range finder.