High average power Q-switched 1314-nm two-crystal Nd:YLF laser

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optoelectronics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Neodymium-doped Yttrium Lithium Fluoride (Nd:YLF) lasers are crucial for various applications.
• Optimizing laser performance in both continuous wave (CW) and pulsed modes is essential for advanced optical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and operate a two-crystal Nd:YLF laser.
• To investigate its performance in both CW and actively Q-switched modes.
• To characterize output power, pulse energy, and duration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-crystal configuration for the Nd:YLF laser medium.
• Employed a 1314 nm laser wavelength.
• Implemented an acousto-optic modulator for active Q-switching.
• Measured output power, pulse energy, pulse duration, and repetition frequency.

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum CW output power of 26.5 W with 125 W of incident pump power.
• Obtained an average output power of 18.6 W in actively Q-switched mode.
• Delivered a maximum pulse energy of 5.6 mJ with a pulse duration of 36 ns at 500 Hz repetition frequency.

Conclusions:

• The designed two-crystal Nd:YLF laser demonstrates efficient performance in both CW and Q-switched modes.
• The laser system is suitable for applications requiring high average power and high pulse energy at 1314 nm.
• Further optimization may enhance output parameters for specific scientific and industrial uses.