Pulse width tuning by deflector system

An electro-optic deflector system is developed to re-shape the optical pulse from a Q-switched Nd:YLF oscillator. The shaped optical pulses are tunable in pulse width by scanning the slit and optical pulses of sub 500 ps are obtained. Except the slit width, its position on the scanning plane also determines the shaped pulse width and even causes pulse distortion if the slit is located close to the edge of the scanned beam. The shortest pulse width can be achieved by this system is determined by the transform limitation. This electro-optic deflector system is successfully used in the SG-II high power laser facility.