Optogama, UAB (Lithuania): Optical equipment manufacturer
Please contact the import agency Taihei Boeki for details.
Passive Q-switch crystal
Passive Q-Switch Crystals
Optogama provides passive Q-switched crystals used for pulsing solid-state lasers.
These crystals act as saturable absorbers, enabling self-excitation Q-switching by controlling losses within the laser resonator.
Our lineup includes materials such as Cr:YAG, V:YAG, and Co:Spinel, and we support 1µm band lasers such as Nd:YAG and 2µm band lasers using Ho･Tm. High damage threshold, excellent thermal stability, and long lifetime characteristics enable the construction of compact pulsed laser systems.
Product Selection
When selecting a passive Q-switched crystal, it is important to consider the laser wavelength to be used, the required pulse width, repetition frequency, and the resonator design.
Cr:YAG is commonly used for Nd-based lasers in the 1µm band, enabling stable nanosecond pulse generation.For 2µm band lasers, Co:Spinel and V:YAG are suitable, and the optimal crystal is selected according to the absorption characteristics and saturation intensity of each material.
Furthermore, parameters such as initial transmission, absorption coefficient, and response speed significantly affect the laser pulse characteristics, making optimal design for each application crucial.
| Category | Wavelength band | Main features | Main uses | Key characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cr:YAG crystal | 1.0µm band | High stability, high damage threshold, standard material | Nd:YAG laser, rangefinder | The most common Q-switch material |
| V:YAG crystal | 1.0µm band | High absorption and short pulse generation | Compact pulsed laser, rangefinder | Shorter pulse duration is possible. |
| Co:Spinel crystal | Approximately 2.0 µm band | 2µm compatible, high durability | Ho/Tm laser, LIDAR | Ideal for 2µm band Q switches |
Selection criteria
- Standard Q-switch applications → Cr:YAG
- Shorter pulse and higher absorption characteristics → V:YAG
- 2µm band laser applications → Co:Spinel
Technical supplement
A passive Q-switch achieves pulsed oscillation by automatically changing the losses within the laser resonator using the nonlinear absorption characteristics of a saturable absorber. When excitation accumulates a population inversion, absorption decreases rapidly, and energy is released all at once, generating a short pulse.
Since the initial transmittance, saturation fluence, and response speed of the material significantly affect the pulse width and peak power, finding the optimal combination with the laser crystal and resonator design is crucial.
Product List (Passive Q-Switch Crystals)
| Cr:YAG crystal Cr:YAG crystals This is a typical passive Q-switching material for 1µm band lasers, possessing a high damage threshold and stable operating characteristics. When combined with an Nd:YAG laser, it can be used to construct a compact and reliable pulsed laser. |
| V:YAG crystal V:YAG crystals This Q-switched crystal has high absorption properties, making it suitable for generating shorter pulses. It is a suitable material for small laser systems and high peak power applications. |
| Co:Spinel crystal Co:Spinel crystals This passive Q-switched crystal is compatible with 2µm band lasers and is used in combination with Ho or Tm-based lasers. It provides stable pulsed oscillation for LIDAR and medical applications. |
