LiF: F(2)- as a high repetition rate Ng: YAG laser passive modulator

30-pps 30-mJ 10-ns FWHM pulses have been obtained in Nd:YAG laser systems with LiF crystal containing F(2)- color centers as the passive Q-Switch modulator. The saturation level of F(2)- color centers in the host crystal and the annealing phenomena of LiF: F(2)-(2) crystal were investigated. These observations make this room temperature stable color center crystal superb as a high power, high repetition rate neodymium laser passive modulator.