Integrated electro-optic Q switching in a domain-inverted Nd:LiTaO(3) laser

We report a novel integrated Q-switched laser constructed from a bulk domain-inverted single Nd:LiTaO(3) crystal that combines the laser gain and the electro-optic effect. The Q of the cavity is controlled electro-optically by exploitation of the deflection that occurs at the boundary of two oppositely directed domains under the application of an electric field. The integrated Q-switching element, with dimensions of 4.1 mm x 4.6 mm x 1 mm, generates 22-ns pulses at 1.08 microm with a peak power of 64 W and an operating voltage of ~600 V. The output is seen to be completely free from prelasing or afterpulsing.