Pulsed Nd:YAG passive Q-switched laser using Cr4+:YAG crystal

In this paper, we report the experimental results of a pulsed flash lamp Nd:YAG laser at wavelength of 1064 nm and Q-switched by Cr4+:YAG solid state saturable absorber. We have obtained the output energy (E) and pulse- width (τp) of this laser for various initial transmissions of this saturable absorber. Furthermore, the effect of reflectivity of the output coupler (R), diameter of the rod (d), and optical length of the cavity (l) on this laser output data have been investigated. We have used the corner cube as a back mirror, which shows high laser stability and better brightness. We have obtained pulse-width 15 ns with 31 mJ output energy. We have also analyzed this laser theoretically and analytically, which agrees well with our corresponding experimental results.

► Q-switched Nd:YAG by Cr:YAG has been investigated analytically and experimentally.
► Increasing cavity output reflectivity or rod diameter will increase output energy.
► Decreasing initial transmission of Cr:YAG leads to increasing output energy.
► Decreasing initial transmission or cavity length will decrease pulse-width.
► Corner cube as back mirror will increase cavity stability.