Acousto-optically Q-switched cavityless weak-feedback laser based on Nd:GdVO₄bounce geometry

Area of Science:

• Lasers and Photonics
• Quantum Electronics
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Q-switching is a technique used to produce high-power optical pulses from lasers.
• Cavityless laser configurations offer potential advantages in terms of simplicity and compactness.
• Weak feedback mechanisms can influence laser dynamics and pulse characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an acousto-optically Q-switched laser utilizing a cavityless weak-feedback configuration.
• To investigate the performance of a Nd:GdVO4 bounce geometry laser at high repetition rates.
• To develop and validate a theoretical model for Q-switched cavityless weak-feedback lasers.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of an acousto-optic Q-switch in a cavityless laser setup.
• Utilizing a Neodymium-doped Gadolinium Vanadate (Nd:GdVO4) bounce geometry.
• Development of a theoretical framework for analyzing Q-switched cavityless weak-feedback lasers.
• Experimental validation through simulation and comparison with obtained results.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a laser operating at repetition rates up to 500 kHz.
• Achieved output power exceeding 4 W.
• Measured pulse width of 5.2 ns at 100 kHz, 4.3 times the roundtrip time.
• Successful simulation and experimental validation of the proposed laser theory.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated laser design is effective for high-repetition-rate, high-power operation.
• The proposed theory accurately models short pulses in Q-switched cavityless weak-feedback lasers.
• The findings validate the theoretical approach and pave the way for further advancements in laser design.