Efficient passively Q-switched miniature Yb:Lu3Ga5O12 crystal laser

A passively Q-switched miniature Yb:Lu3Ga5O12 crystal laser is demonstrated under 935-nm diode pumping, producing an average output power of 3.21 W at 1035 nm at a pulse repetition frequency of 26.3 kHz, with optical-to-optical and slope efficiencies being 36.5% and 60%, respectively. With the output coupling being increased and the initial transmission of the saturable absorber being lowered, an output power of 1.61 W at 1026 nm is generated at 8.3 kHz, the resulting pulse energy, duration and peak power were respectively 194 mu J, 2.5 ns and 77.6 kW. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.