Comparison between c-cut and A-cut Nd : YVO4 lasers passively Q-switched with a Cr4+: YAG saturable absorber

Abstract

Comparison between c-cut and a-cut Nd:YVO4 microchip lasers passively Q-switched with a Cr4+:YAG saturable absorber is experimentally made. The lower emission cross section of the c-cut Nd:YVO4 crystal can enhance the passive Q-switching effect to produce a peak power 10 times higher than that obtained with the a-cut crystal. The experimental result further reveals that a c-cut Nd:YVO4 crystal is a very convenient material for short-pulse (sub-nanosecond) and high-peak-power (> 10 kW) lasers.