Stability of Q-switched 2 μm lasers

Brooks, James and Bonner, Gerald M. and Kemp, Alan J. and Stothard, David J. M. (2020) Stability of Q-switched 2 μm lasers. OSA Continuum, 3 (3). pp. 568-579. ISSN 2578-7519 (https://doi.org/10.1364/OSAC.389477)

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Abstract

Q-switched lasers operating at wavelengths around 2 µm have many applications including materials processing and LIDAR. However, the low gain of the quasi-three-level gain media available at 2 µm can lead to problems with pulse-to-pulse fluctuations in their output, known as jitter. Here we present a methodology for characterising the level of jitter in a Q-switched laser and apply it to a Tm:YAP system. We also look at the causes of jitter and evaluate some methods of reducing it. The methodology developed here will aid in the development and characterisation of Q-switched lasers at any wavelength.

ORCID iDs

Brooks, James ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9056-961X, Bonner, Gerald M., Kemp, Alan J. ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1076-3138 and Stothard, David J. M.;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)