Abstract

The use of acousto-optic modulators (AOM) to generate single-axial-mode Q-switched oscillation in ring laser cavities has been described by Clarkson and Hanna,^1–3 We have experimented with such devices and believe that including the Doppler shift of the light beams scattered toward or away from the acoustic wave direction into the calculation of the Bragg angle provides a full explanation for the AOM optical diode. The predictions of this theory and experimental measurements in support of it are the subject of another paper.⁴ Here we describe the compact diode-pumped single-axial-modeQ-switched Nd: YAG and Nd:YLF ring lasers we have developed using this effect. Generation of transform-limited laser pulses with <10-ns KWHM from an optically simple, robust diode-pumped system is demonstrated.

© 1992 Optical Society of America