Single-frequency diode-pumped Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser

Single frequency generation output with energy level about 1 mJ in electro-optically Q- switched Nd:YVO4 laser pumped by 1 cm quasi-cw laser diode bar is demonstrated. Above 170 kW peak power in 5.6 ns pulse duration was achieved. The low threshold, near diffraction limited output, short cavity length advantage is the Nd:YVO4 laser for low energy, high pulse power in coherent velocimetry, range finding and Doppler radar applications.