Mode-locked and Q-switched operation of a diode laser pumped Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.064 μm

Abstract
We describe the performance of a mode‐locked and Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.064 μm, optically pumped by a 500 mW diode laser. The cw mode‐locked system provides bandwidth‐limited pulses of 55 ps duration, with a corresponding peak power of 3.3 W. When Q‐switched the energy within the 100 ns pulse envelope is 10 μJ giving a peak power in the largest pulse of 7 kW. Preliminary results for operation at 1.32 μm are also reported.