Abstract

We describe a compact, highly efficient, diode-pumped, mechanically $Q$-switched Tm:YAP laser operating near 2 μm. The $Q$-switch, based on a torsion spring resonant mirror scanner, had negligible optical loss and required very low electrical drive power. At a 10 kHz pulse repetition frequency, the laser generated an average output power of 10.5 W at 1.94 μm, $Q$-switched pulse energy of 1.05 mJ, a pulse length of 31 ns, and a peak power of 34 kW. The $Q$-switched laser exhibited maximum optical and electrical efficiencies of 51% and 26%, respectively.

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