Laser-diode-pumped Q-switched Nd: YVO4 green laser

The acoustooptic Q-switched Nd: YVO₄ intracavity frequency-doubled laser is reported. Pulse train of 532nm green laser in TEM₀₀ mode with threshold pumping power of 27 mW has been measured. Under continuous-wave pumping power of 570mW, the peak power of output beam exceeding 1.1 kW with pulse width of 4.6ns is demonstrated. The fluctuation of output power is less than ±2% when the temperature change is smaller than ±5°C. It is found that under the range of pump level in the experiment the output power of 1.064μm laser increases gradually to a maximum then decreases, while the output power of 532nm laser increases always when the pumping power increases. The pulse width decreases gradually to a minimum with pump power increasing, and the pulse width of 532nm laser is about a half of that of 1.064μm. High-quality acoustooptic switcher is very important for improving the device.