Integrated Q-switched multiple-cavity glass waveguide laser

Abstract
A novel Q-switching scheme, using rapid variation of the path difference between the cavities of a multiple-cavity resonator, is described. A thermooptic phase modulator was used to switch the cavity loss of a Y-junction glass waveguide laser between high and low states. Q-switched pulses with durations of 5 mu s and peak powers of 70 mW were obtained.