Sub-nanosecond, 41 mJ pulse energy, passively Q-switched Nd:YLF laser

A sub-nanosecond, diode-stack side-pumped, passively Q-switched Nd3+:YLF4/Cr4+:YAG Laser is reported in a compact cavity design, generating one pulse of 41 mJ with a pulse width of 894 ps, achieving a peak output power of 46 MW and beam quality M2 of 5.4 × 5.9 (HxV). The number of pulses in the pulse train could be adjusted from one pulse to ten pulses of 111 mJ total output energy and 23.7 % optical efficiency by adjusting the focus distance while maintaining sub-nanosecond pulse duration. This resonator can also be used for high-power simultaneous Q-switched laser emission at 1047 nm and 1053 nm.