Optimization of peak power of passively Q-switched lasers by taking into account intracavity laser spatial distribution

The intracavity photon density and the initial population-inversion density in the diode-pumped passively Q-switched lasers are assumed to be Gaussian spatial distributions. The space-dependent rate equations are solved numerically. The key parameters of an optimally coupled passively Q-switched laser under Gaussian approximation are determined, and a group of general curves are generated for the first time. These key parameters include the optimal normalized coupling parameter and the optimal normalized saturable absorber parameter that maximize the peak power, and the corresponding normalized energy, normalized peak power, and normalized pulse width. The curves clearly show the dependence of the optimal key parameters on the parameters of the gain medium, the saturable absorber, and the resonator. In addition, the importance including the space variation is also shown. The optimal calculations for a diode-pumped passively Nd:YVO₄ laser are presented to demonstrate the use of the curves and the related formulas.