Single frequency Q-switched operation of a diode-pumped Nd:YLF ring laser

摘要

A diode-pumped Nd:YLF ring laser is described which incorporates an acousto-optic rhomb to enforce unidirectional single frequency operation and Q-switching. Since unidirectional operation does not depend on polarization discrimination it can easily be applied to birefringent laser materials such as YLF. Q-switched pulses of 70 pJ and 10 ns duration are achieved.