The Optical Properties of Laser Resonators with a Spinning Prism Q Switch

摘要

The spinning prism Q switch is frequently used on solid state lasers as it is cheap, robust and reliable. The optical properties of resonators formed by a roof prism are presented. They are found to be equivalent to a flat mirror, but they have the additional feature of discriminating against even order modes. The preferred lowest order mode is the TEM sub 01q, having a null corresponding to the discontinuity of the roof edge. (Author)