Novel MWIR Q-Switch Materials

Summary form only given. The challenges inherent in the development and demonstration of a practical Q-switch for high intensity mid to far infrared lasers will be reviewed. These lasers have generally been limited to long pulse or CW operation due to the lack of suitable Q-switches. Spinning mirrors have been used, but their fragility and inherent vibration severely limit their general usefulness. Many solid state Q-switch candidate materials have been limited by poor laser induced damage thresholds and/or other undesirable optical transmission characteristics. The limitations of existing technologies will be compared with newer electro-optic and acousto-optic devices and materials, which have the capability to extend Q-switched operation to lasers operating from the mid to far infrared. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying a new Q-switch technology to Er doped systems operating at 2.69mum.