The pulse reshaping characteristics of V:YAG in passively Q-switched Nd:YVO4/Cr:YAG laser at 1064 nm

The pulse reshaping characteristics of V:YAG in a 1064-nm Cr:YAG Q-switched laser have been demonstrated. The pulse duration is compressed by as much as 55% in contrast to Cr:YAG solely Q-switched lasers. The minimum pulse duration is 28 ns with the pulse repetition rate of 98 kHz. The stability and symmetry of the pulses are also obviously improved. The results shows V:YAG is a potential reshaping element for 1-μm pulses.