AO Q-SWITCHES

Isomet now offers three standard AO Q-switches (see table below). In addition, we can design and build custom AO Q-switches and RF drivers for use in diode or lamp-pumped laser systems. We have built AO Q-switches that exhibit >80% diffraction efficiency. Our extensive experience with AO devices and in-house crystal growth, fabrication, vacuum bonding, and anti-reflection coating capability allows us to quickly fabricate custom devices. We will choose the appropriate AO Q-switch configuration (i.e. acousto-optic material, Brewster or AR-coated ends, etc.) to meet customer specifications. We encourage our engineers to interact directly with the customer to ensure the device will meet his/her requirements.

AO Q-switches are typically used in cw-pumped (both diode and lamp) solid state lasers to produce output at a pulse repetition frequency of 0.5 to >50 kHz. When RF is applied (top), the cavity loss rises due to diffraction produced by the AO Q-switch and the population inversion in the laser medium increases. As long as the loss exceeds the gain produced by the laser medium, laser emission will be inhibited. After the RF is switched off (bottom), the cavity loss drops and a laser pulse is emitted. By periodically turning the RF on and off, a pulse train is emitted.

Application Notes and Manuals

All specifications are subject to change without notice

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