Passive Q-switched Nd:YVO4/Cr4+:YAG lasers pumped by a fiber coupled laser diode
- Received Date: 2002-03-26
- Accepted Date: 2002-04-18
- Available Online: 2002-11-25
Abstract: On the basis of Siegman's criterion for good passive Q-switched,it is difficult to operate a diode-pumped,passive Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser with Cr4+:YAG as the saturable absorber.The main difficulties arise from the fact that a Nd:YVO4 crystal has a high stimulated emission cross section.With a fiber coupled laser diode end pumping Nd:YVO4 laser,1.4W of CW output power has obtained under a pump level of 3.5W with optical conversion efficiency of 40%.The Q-switching operation of Nd:YVO4 laser with Cr4+:YAG as the saturable absorber was demonstrated.Q-switched pulses duration is 11.7ns with pulse repetition rate of 22kHz.