Actively Q-switched laser performance comparison between Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 and Nd:Lu0.33Y0.37Gd0.3VO4 mixed crystals

By using acousto-optic (AO) modulator as active Q-switch, the diode-pumped actively Q-switched Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 and Nd:Lu0.33Y0.37Gd0.3VO4 lasers are realized. The average output power and the pulse width under different AO repetition rates are measured. The actively Q-switched laser performances for two kind mixed crystals are compared for the first time. The experimental results show that the actively Q-switched Nd:Lu0.33Y0.37Gd0.3VO4 laser can generate shorter pulse width with higher peak power in comparison with the actively Q-switched Nd:Lu0.15Y0.85VO4 laser. Due to broader fluorescence line-width, the triple-mixed crystal Nd:Lu0.33Y0.37Gd0.3VO4 is a promising laser medium for shorter Q-switched pulse with higher peak power.