Electro-optically Q-switched Er:YAG laser

For giant pulse generation in the mid-infrared region LiNbO3 crystal with Brewster angle cut faces was inserted inside the Er:YAG laser oscillator and a specially designed driver ensured the precise time of Pockels cell switching. The optimization of the oscillator and Pockels cell driver parameters was performed to obtain the shortest (60 ns) and stable output pulse with maximum energy (60 mJ). It gives 1 MW output peak power. Laser output dependences on the resonator parameters (resonator length and output mirror reflexivity) were also performed and the output laser characteristics well corresponded to the theoretical calculation results.