Abstract

Typical Q-switched and cavity-dumped schemes require at least one electro-optics (Pockets cell) device to modulate the Q of the cavity. This device must first holdoff laser action until sufficient energy has been stored in the active material, then switch the resonator to a high Q condition. Once lasing the modulator must then switch at the peak of the Q-switch envelope thus dumping the intracavity flux typically through a thin film polarizer. This method requires high-speed, high-voltage switching and accurate timing with its incumbent complexity. The scheme presented here uses an all passive technique with a lithium fluoride color center (LiF:F₂^-) Q-switch for holdoff and Freon 113 as a phase conjugation element for cavity dumping.

© 1994 Optical Society of America