Repetitive Modulation And Passively Q-Switched Cw Diode Pumped Nd-Doped Lasers

We have used diode arrays in a linear configuration to side-pump passively Q-switched and free-running Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 lasers. The gain modes of the high absorption YVO4 and the low absorption YAG were analyzed and compared. The gain distribution found was used to evaluate the pump power density, which in turn, was used to calculate the dependence of the laser pulse width on the pumping power. The theoretical Q-switch pulse width was compared with the experimental. The performance of the Q-switched and free-running Nd:YAG and Nd:YVO4 lasers were compared and analyzed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.