Passively Q-switched single-frequency Nd:YVO₄ ring laser with external feedback

Area of Science:

• Laser Physics
• Optical Engineering
• Remote Sensing Technology

Background:

• High-spectral-resolution LIDAR requires stable, single-frequency laser pulses.
• Existing laser systems may not meet the specific pulse duration and stability requirements for advanced LIDAR.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact diode-pumped laser for generating long, single-frequency pulses.
• To achieve stable, high-quality laser output for LIDAR applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a diode-pumped Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) ring laser.
• Employed external mirror feedback and Chromium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Cr:YAG) passive Q-switching.
• Operated the laser with a pulsed pump source.

Main Results:

• Achieved unidirectional, single-frequency operation.
• Generated high-quality TEM00 pulses with approximately 50-ns duration and 80-µJ energy.
• Demonstrated stable pulse generation (amplitude, duration, repetition rate <1%) across a wide frequency range (100 Hz to 10 kHz).

Conclusions:

• The developed compact Nd:YVO4 ring laser meets the requirements for high-spectral-resolution LIDAR.
• The laser system provides a stable and reliable source of single-frequency pulses.
• This technology enables advancements in LIDAR systems for precise atmospheric measurements.