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Q-switched mode locking with acousto-optic modulator in a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser
Optics Express
|June 9, 2009
Summary
This study demonstrates efficient Q-switched mode locking (QML) in a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser, generating high-peak-power picosecond pulse trains. The simple resonator design achieved up to 3 W average power and 100 muJ envelope energy.
Area of Science:
- Lasers and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Q-switched mode locking (QML) enables high peak power picosecond pulse generation.
- Nd:YVO4 lasers are suitable gain media for efficient laser operation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an efficient QML regime in a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser.
- To achieve high-energy picosecond pulse trains using a simple resonator design.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an acousto-optic cell for dual Q-switching and mode locking.
- Employed translation stages for cavity resonance frequency matching.
- Operated a diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 laser system.
Main Results:
- Achieved fully modulated QML operation with 100-150 ns envelope durations.
- Observed near 100% modulation depth across various pump powers and repetition rates.
- Generated output with up to 3 W average power and 100 muJ envelope energy (5-8 pulses per envelope).
Conclusions:
- The demonstrated QML regime is efficient and robust for diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 lasers.
- The simple resonator design facilitates high-energy picosecond pulse generation.
- This method offers a practical approach for producing high-power picosecond laser pulses.
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