Pulse characteristics of Q-switched fiber lasers

A theoretical investigation of the anticipated properties of optically end-pumped
Q
-switched fiber lasers is reported. This analysis stresses the effect of the transverse structure of the interacting pump and signal (guided) waves, in particular of the fiber
V
number, on the device performance. In Nd : YAG single crystal fibers thresholds as low as a fraction of a milliwatt may be achieved; pulses with peak powers of hundreds of watts and subnanosecond widths may be generated under laser diode pumping conditions.