Optimization of passively Q-switched laser with V3+:YAG saturable absorber

Abstract By considering the Gaussian spatial distributions of the intracavity photon density and the initial population-inversion density, the coupled rate equations for a diode-pumped passively Q-switched laser with V 3+ :YAG saturable absorber are given. These coupled rate equations are solved numerically and the key parameters of an optimally coupled passively Q-switched laser with V 3+ :YAG at 1342 nm are determined. These key parameters include the parameters of the gain medium, the saturable absorber and the resonator, which can maximize the pulse energy of singly Q-switched pulse. The optimal calculations for a diode-pumped passively Q-switched a-Nd:GdVO 4 laser with V 3+ :YAG saturable absorber are presented to demonstrate the numerical simulation applicable.