| 摘要 |
A demand synchronized laser Q-switch of high optical efficiency and fast operation includes two prisms of fused quartz separated by a fraction of a wavelength of the laser light to be Q-switched and piezoelectric transducers mounted on the back sides of each prism. With no electrical signal applied to the piezoelectric transducers the prism separation produces frustrated total internal reflection that prevents laser oscillations between the two end mirrors of a laser cavity. Application of a voltage pulse to the piezoelectric transducers produces a shock wave in each prism that drives them into physical contact. The prisms then separate rapidly in response to reflection of the shock wave. When the prisms are sufficiently separated, laser oscillation between the cavity end mirrors occurs, and a high power output pulse is produced. The output pulse is terminated upon relaxation of the prisms or upon depletion of the population inversion, whichever occurs first. Alternatively, the prisms are separated sufficiently to allow total internal reflection, and application of a voltage pulse to the piezoelectric transducers brings the opposing faces of the prisms sufficiently close to produce high transmission of laser light through the two opposing faces.
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