Abstract

We demonstrate a stable Q-switched single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) Nd:YAG laser using a volume Bragg grating as the output coupler. The reflective volume Bragg grating, serving as a longitudinal selector and passive frequency stabilizer, effectively eliminates the mode hopping effect of the laser. The maximum output energy of the SLM obtained from the current experimental setup is $18.5\mathrm{mJ}$. The maximum separation of frequencies is significantly less than the longitudinal mode separation, indicating that a stable SLM laser is achieved.

© 2011 Optical Society of America