Pulse control in a Q-switched Nd:YVO4 bounce geometry laser using a secondary cavity.

A novel technique for obtaining enhanced control of pulsing parameters in a laser is described and implemented for the first time in a 1.1%Nd:YVO4 bounce geometry laser. The method uses a secondary laser cavity to control the gain in a Q-switched primary laser cavity and has enabled clean single-pulse Q-switched operation to be obtained across a repetition rate range of 1-800 kHz, where previously laser breakthrough had occurred below 150 kHz.

Comparison of a diode pumped Er:YSGG and Er:YAG laser in the bounce geometry at the 3 μm transition.

A comparative study is made of the laser crystals 50 at. % Er:YAG and 50 at. % Er:YSGG.