Abstract
A forced-turn-off mechanism of a passively Q-switched pulse is proposed and demonstrated. To investigate the mechanism, we used rate equations and performed computer simulations. An auxiliary cavity for a passive Q-switch is inserted into a conventional passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. Lasing of the auxiliary cavity restores the saturable loss and turns off the Q-switched pulse. The measured pulse profiles verified the turn-off, and the pulse duration could be controlled from 47.0 to 22.0 ns when we varied the auxiliary cavity length. Close agreement was obtained between the simulation and experimental results.
© 1995 Optical Society of America
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