Abstract
We have demonstrated normal mode and Q-switched operations of flashlamp pumped Cr, Tm (, Ho):YAG lasers. When operation in the normal mode, output energies of 2.3 J and a slope efficiency of 2 % have been achieved, and the thermal lensing has been observed in the laser rod at the high repetition rate. In addition, the TEM00 mode single Q-switched pulse with a pulse energy of 54 mJ and a pulse width of 206 ns was obtained by using a fused silica AO Q-switch as a mode selector. The comparison of Q-switched operations employing a LiNbO3 Pockels cell and the AO Q-switch is also described.
