Abstract

The efficient generation of short, Q-switched laser pulses by diode-pumped solid-state lasers is of considerable interest for many applications. However, achieving this goal involves a compromise between maximizing the pulse energy and minimizing the pulse duration. Since the pulse energy depends on the energy-storage capability of the laser medium, maximizing this parameter implies the use of a material with low stimulated emission cross section and long fluorescent lifetime, Conversely, the pulse duration decreases with increasing small-signal gain and reduction of the optical resonator decay time, so that high-gain laser materials and very Short optical resonators are desirable for the generation of the shortest possible pulses.

© 1995 Optical Society of America