Compact, dual-configuration, single-frequency, Q-switched Nd : YAG laser

We present a novel, compact multi-Nd:YAG-crystal. dual-configuration resona tor that can be operated in Fabry-Perot or in ring configuration. As Fabry- Perot resonator, 10.5 W of output power with M-2 = 3.2 at 27 W of pump powe r and 8 W of TEM00 output at 24 W of incident pump light were measured. In ring configuration, single-frequency operation was demonstrated in both con tinuous wave and Q-switched operation. Up to 4.5 W of cw, single-longitudin al mode output power with 24 W of pump power and 30%, slope efficiency was demonstrated. In Q-switched operation. 0.3 mJ/37 ns single-frequency pulses were generated at 18 W of pump power and a repetition rate of 100 Hz using a prelase technique. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B,V, All rights reserved.