Passively Q-Switched Diode-pumped Yb:YAG Laser Using Cr~(4+) - Doped Garnets

摘要

We investigated the operation of a diode-pumped Yb:YAG laser passively Q-switched, by Cr~(4+):YAG, Cr~(4+):LuAG, and Cr~(4+):GSGG saturable absorbers. The results presented here are focused towards the design of a passively Q-switched Yb:YAG microlaser. The free-running performance of both rod and a disk Yb:YAG is characterized and experimental parameters such as gain and loss are evaluated. These values, together with the value of the stimul ated emission cross section, e.g. σ_(em)=3.3xl01~(-20) cm~2 were found to fit between our experimental results and an existing numerical model which relates the experimental and physical parameters to the minimal threshold pumping power. Q -switched pulses with maximum peak power of ≈10.4-kW. and energy of≈ 0.5 mJ/pulse were extracted with 30 % extraction efficiency.