Few-ns, kW peak power Q-switched pulses from orange and red Pr:YLF lasers

We report on the generation of few-ns pulses with kW peak power in the red and orange spectral range obtained from a passively Q-switched Pr3+:YLF laser. A compact resonator and thorough investigation of the Co:MgAl2O4 saturable absorber's initial transmission enables peak powers in excess of 1.1 kW at pulse durations of 2.4 ns and 5.3 ns at 640 nm and 607 nm, respectively. These are the shortest pulse durations among any Q-switched Pr3+ laser and make this system a suitable front-end for efficient frequency doubling into the ultraviolet range.

Automated summary

We present a study on the generation of few-ns pulses in the red and orange spectral range using a passively Q-switched Pr3+:YLF laser. By optimizing the resonator design and the initial transmission of the Co:MgAl2O4 saturable absorber, peak powers exceeding 1.1 kW were achieved at wavelengths of 640 nm and 607 nm, with pulse durations of 2.4 ns and 5.3 ns, respectively. These are the shortest pulse durations among any Q-switched Pr3+ lasers, making this system a potential candidate for efficient frequency doubling into the ultraviolet range.