Q-switching with photo-elastic modulators

F. Bammer

doi:10.1117/12.738120

26 April 2007 Q-switching with photo-elastic modulators

F. Bammer

Proceedings Volume 6346, XVI International Symposium on Gas Flow, Chemical Lasers, and High-Power Lasers; 634611 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.738120
Event: XVI International Symposium on Gas Flow, Chemical Lasers, and High-Power Lasers, 2006, Gmunden, Austria

Abstract

We describe a new method for Q-switching. It uses a polarizer together with a photo-elastic modulator, i.e. a transmissive optical element, which oscillates in a longitudinal eigenmode. This induces due to the photo-elastic effect a modulated artificial birefringence which modulates the polarization of passing light and hence the transmission through the polarizer. With a proper choice of eigenmodes and corresponding phases and amplitudes the times of high transmission are short enough to act as a Q-switch in a laser cavity. The voltage amplitude of the excitation is in the order of 10 V. Hence a simple and robust pulsed laser with constant pulse repetition frequency can be built.

Citation Download Citation

F. Bammer "Q-switching with photo-elastic modulators", Proc. SPIE 6346, XVI International Symposium on Gas Flow, Chemical Lasers, and High-Power Lasers, 634611 (26 April 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.738120

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