Nd:YAG-laser-Q-switching with a photo-elastic modulator and applications

F. Bammer; R. Petkovšek; H. Dominguez; G. Liedl

doi:10.1117/12.854724

19 May 2010 Nd:YAG-laser-Q-switching with a photo-elastic modulator and applications

F. Bammer, R. Petkovšek, H. Dominguez, G. Liedl

Proceedings Volume 7721, Solid State Lasers and Amplifiers IV, and High-Power Lasers; 77210Y (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.854724
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2010, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

We present a rod-Nd:YAG-Laser, side-pumped with eight 50W-laser diode bars at 808nm, and Q-switched with a Single Crystal Photo-Elastic Modulator at 95.1 kHz. The latter is made of a z-cut LiNbO₃-crystal, which is electrically y-excited on the mechanical resonance frequency of the x-longitudinal oscillation. With a voltage amplitude of 3 V the crystal shows a strong oscillation such that due to the photo-elastic effect a high polarization modulation is achieved, which, together with a polarizer, can be used as a simple optical switch. With this inside the laser resonator the average power is 47.8W in cw-mode and 45.5W in pulsed mode, with pulse peak powers of 4 kW and pulse widths of 100ns. This kind of operation is similar to cw-operation but offers due to the high peak powers different interaction physics with matter. The source is therefore suited for micro-welding of metals, LIDAR, rapid prototyping of plastics, marking/engraving/cutting of plastics, marking of glasses. In cases where high precision and a small heat affected zone are necessary this simple kind of pulsed operation may be advantageous, when compared to cw-operation.

Citation Download Citation

F. Bammer, R. Petkovšek, H. Dominguez, and G. Liedl "Nd:YAG-laser-Q-switching with a photo-elastic modulator and applications", Proc. SPIE 7721, Solid State Lasers and Amplifiers IV, and High-Power Lasers, 77210Y (19 May 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.854724

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KEYWORDS

Modulators

Pulsed laser operation

Crystals

Semiconductor lasers

Laser resonators

Glasses

Polarization

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