Generation of long pulse envelope in a Q-switched and mode-locked cw Nd : YAG laser

Abstract We have demonstrated a step-by-step procedure to produce long Q-switch trains and steady-state picosecond pulses in a cw QSML Nd: YAG laser most suitable for dye laser pumping. The method applied results in Q-switch trains tunable from 0.3 to 3.4 μs. Laser performance has been studied under variable depth of modulation, prelase time and Q-switch opening time.