Optical chopper Q-switching for flashlamp-pumped Er,Cr:YSGG lasers

Abstract

We present a novel way of Q-switching a flashlamp-pumped, λ = 2.8 μm Er,Cr:YSGG laser, wherein a rotating polygon is used as an optical chopper. Single pulse energies of ~3.8 mJ were achieved with pulsewidths of ~305 ns. The scheme benefits from the simplicity of design, and, compared with other Q-switching methods, a reduction in losses and laser damage problems from intracavity components. We also investigate the optimization of the laser output through purging of the laser with nitrogen, and find a 29% increase in peak output energy.