Design of a high-power Nd:YAG Q-switched laser cavity

Appl Opt. 1995 Jun 20;34(18):3349-51. doi: 10.1364/AO.34.003349.

Abstract

An electro-optically Q-switched Nd:YAG laser resonator that uses two end prisms placed orthogonally perpendicular to each other has been designed. This configuration improves the stability of the resonator and does not alter the characteristics of the electro-optical Q switch. The outcoupling ratio of the cavity is optimized by a change in the azimuthal angle of a phase-matched Porro prism placed at one end of the cavity. The prism placed at the other end of the cavity is designed so that it introduces a phase change of II, regardless of its orientation and index of refraction, resulting in a more efficient and stable cavity.