Passive Q-switches for Nd : hosted solid state lasers

The currently available Nd:hosted lasers utilizing passive Q-switches: a pl astic dye sheet, a LiF:F-2(-) color center crystal, a Cr4+:YAG crystal or a RG1000 colored glass filter have been investigated in detail and the resul ts summarized for comparison purposes for the first time. We first briefly summarize our own and others' past studies, and report on recent new result s concerning the use of Cr4+:YAG crystals and RG1000 colored glass filters as Nd:hosted laser passive Q-switchings. We then investigate in detail soli d state laser system design using the above four passive modulators. Typica l interpretations are given based on characteristic features of the materia ls, such as their saturation intensity and relaxation times. The results ar e then explained via adequate equations derived with respect to the relevan t physical parameters of the materials. The optical density selection of pl astic dye sheet passive Q-switching for the Nd:YAG laser system design is v erified quantitatively, and the slope efficiencies from plastic dye sheet p assive Q-switched operation by single pulse and multiple pulse bursts are i nvestigated. The multi-peak Q-switched pulse timing phenomena are presented as well. The outstanding annealability, long lifetime, inexpensiveness and high repetition rate operation of LIF:F-2(-) crystals are highly recommend ed.