Characteristics of high-energy Q-switched neodymium lasers operating near 1320 nm

An optimum design of neodymium lasers operating near 1320 nm was experimentally investigated. A conductively cooled Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with two birefringent filter plates produced 18 mJ of energy at 1319 nm. On the other hand, a Nd:YLF laser allowed us to achieve operations at a single emission line without wavelength selectors because of its favorable birefringent properties. An output energy of 42 mJ in a single Q-switched pulse at 1313 nm was obtained with a c-cut Nd:YLF rod.