Control of laser spiking in Nd:YAG lasers with saturable absorbers

Spiking behavior can be analytically described using laser rate equations. Control or suppress of spiking behavior can be obtained by placing suitable absorbers in the laser cavity. LiF:F 2 - saturable absorbers obtained by electron irradiation of LiF crystals were employed in control of laser spiking of pulsed Nd:YAG lasers. Experimental results are in good concordance with theoretical values.