Abstract:
A new nanosecond passive switch for neodymium lasers was developed on the basis of a highly elastic polyurethane matrix with an optical strength of 1200 MW cm–2, containing a photostable organic dye NOK. The switch was investigated under various Q-switching conditions in YAG, GSGG:Cr:Nd, and yttrium aluminate crystal lasers. Nanosecond single giant pulses and bursts of pulses were generated. The service life was 2 × 106 pulses at a single point of the switch. The energy of giant single pulses was 0.9 J. Repetition of single pulses at 50 Hz was possible.