Low-threshold, nanosecond, high-repetition-rate vortex pulses with controllable helicity generated in Cr, Nd:YAG self-Q-switched microchip laser. (21st March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Hong-Sen; Chen, Zhen; Li, Hong-Bin; Dong, Jun
• Is Part Of: Laser physics. Volume 28:Number 5(2018:May)
• Publication Date: 2018-03-21
• Subjects: beam reshaping -- Cr, Nd:YAG -- microchip laser -- self-Q-switched laser -- vortex beam -- wavefront handedness; Lasers -- Periodicals; 621.36605
• DOI: 10.1088/1555-6611/aaad4c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1054-660X

Abstract

Abstract: A high repetition rate, nanosecond, pulsed optical vortex beam has been generated in a Cr, Nd:YAG self-Q-switched microchip laser pumped by the annular-beam formed with a hollow focus lens. The lasing threshold for vortex pulses is 0.9 W. A pulse width of 6.5 ns and a repetition rate of over 330 kHz have been achieved. The average output power of 1 W and the slope efficiency of 46.6% have been obtained. The helicity of the optical vortices has been controlled by adjusting the tilted angle between Cr, Nd:YAG crystal and output coupler. The work provides a new method for developing pulsed optical vortices for potential applications on quantum communication and optical trapping.