PHOTOCONDUCTIVELY CONTROLLED ELECTROOPTIC LASER MODULATION

We propose new configurations of electro-optic modulators that are con trolled by photoconductive switches. Photoconductive switching speed a nd the use of optical feedback combine to provide the potential for fl exible intracavity and extracavity modulation of low- and high-power b eams at multigigahertz. Experimental results are presented in which a modulator of this type is used to Q switch and cavity dump a Nd:YAG la ser, utilizing only a single external trigger. The same modulator is a lso used to Q switch, mode lock, and cavity dump the same laser. The m odulator allows the laser to produces pulses with durations over the r ange of <80 ps to >20 ns.