Passively Q-switched self-frequency-doubled Nd3+: GdCa4O(BO3)(3) laser

The performance of a flash-lamp-pumped self-frequency-doubled Nd3+:GdCa4O(B O3)(3) (Nd:GdCOB) laser that is passively Q switched with Cr4+:YAG saturabl e absorbers is demonstrated. The maximum 0.53-mum pulse energy obtained is 2.6 mJ, and the maximum peak intensity is 15 MW/cm(2) The dependence of the pulse characteristics on the orientation of the saturable absorber and on the cavity length is measured. Meanwhile, the transversal distribution of t he intracavity photon density is taken into account in the rate equations f or an intracavity frequency-doubled passively Q-switched laser, and the sol utions are used to account for the behavior of the passively Q-switched Nd: GdCOB laser. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.