Abstract

We present the results of a laser resonator design that uses 3-D volume gain gratings formed by spatial hole burning¹ and initiated by spontaneous cavity emission. The induced gain-gratings can be considered dynamic holographic elements with diffractive properties that provide both spectral and spatial mode control of a high-gain flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser system. The dynamic parametric growth of the grating initiated from amplified spontaneous emission in the cavity produces a self Q-switching resulting in short pulse formation.

© 1994 IEEE