Efficient passively Q-switched Yb:LuAG microchip laser

An efficient passively Q-switched Yb:LuAG microchip laser with Cr4+:YAG as saturable absorber was demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge. Slope efficiencies of 40% and 28% were measured for the initial transmission of Cr4+:YAG, T(0)=95% and 90%, respectively. Laser pulses with a pulse energy of 19 microJ and a pulse width of 610 ps at the repetition rate of 12.8 kHz were achieved for T(0)=90%; the corresponding peak power of over 31 kW was obtained. The lasers oscillated at two or three longitudinal modes owing to the broad emission spectra of Yb:LuAG and mode selection by Cr4+:YAG thin plate acting as an intracavity etalon.