Efficient burst-mode operation of a very high repetition-rate Nd:YAG laser

A Q-switched flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser has been operated in a burst mode at repetition rates up to 1 kHz, and output energies up to 35 mJ obtained. Use of thyristor controlled resonant-charging techniques, electrolytic energy-storage capacitors and an efficient laser-pumping cavity allowed operation in bursts of up to 75 pulses. A drop in output energy of typically 12% occurred over a 40-pulse burst at 625 Hz. Mean power in the burst of approximately 20 W was obtained from a relatively compact system. Overall electrical efficiency was approximately 70%.