| 摘要 |
A passive Q switch. The inventive Q switch (230) includes a first wedge (232) of material adapted to absorb electromagnetic energy. The first wedge (232) has a first thickness on a first end thereof and a second thickness on a second end thereof diametrically opposite the first end. The first wedge (232) has a first surface connecting the first and second ends and a second surface (236) connecting the first and second ends. The second surface (236) is slanted relative to the first surface. A second wedge of material (234) is included in the inventive passive Q switch (230). As per the first wedge (232), the second wedge (234) has a first thickness on a first end thereof and a second thickness on a second end thereof diametrically opposite the first end. The second wedge has a first surface connecting the first and second ends and a second surface (238) connecting the first and second ends. The second surface (238) is slanted relative to the first surface. The second surface (236) of the first wedge (232) is mounted in optical alignment with the second surface (238) of the second wedge (234) and in a plane parallel thereto. In the illustrative embodiment, the wedges (232, 234) are made of chromium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Cr<+2>:YAG) and mounted to allow the first and second wedges to translate relative to each other while maintaining a constant distant 'd' between the second surfaces thereof. The inventive Q switch allows for a variable thickness and lasing hold-off in a passive arrangement. |
