Optimization of the slowly actively Q-switched laser

By taking into account turnoff time of the slowly active Q-switch, the coupled equations of a slowly actively Q-switched laser are given. These rate equations are solved numerically. The key parameters of an optimally coupled actively Q-switched laser with the turnoff time are determined, and a group of general curves are generated for the first time. These key parameters include the optimal normalized coupling parameter which maximizes the output energy, 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 and the resonator. In addition, the importance of including turnoff time of the slowly active Q-switch is also shown. The optimal calculations for an actively Q-switched Nd:YVO₄ laser with acoustic–optic modulator are presented to demonstrate the use of the curves and the related formulas.