Polarization Properties of the Diode-Pumped Nd:Lasers Passively Q-Switched with Cr/sup 4+/: Saturable Absorbers

Abstract

Excellent output parameters of Cr4+-passively Q-switched diode pumped Nd-lasers causes strong interest to these system as laser sources for the consequent nonlinear frequency conversion through external harmonics generation or through pumping the optical parametric oscillators [1]. Mode-selection property is quite common for passive Q-switching technique and can by explained by means of strong gain difference between adjacent modes during multipass build up of the pulse. However, the polarization features of the Cr4+ :crystals-Q-switched lasers are determinated mainly by polarization anisotropy of the Cr4+-saturable absorption and it’s interaction with resonator polarization inhomogeneity.