A Pure Optical Arrangement Using an Optical Transistor to Form a Temporally Controlled Sequence of Nanosecond Pulses

We describe and analyse in detail our new approach to developing a simple, purely optical, device for converting continuous laser radiation into a series of nano (or sub-nano) pulses with controllable duration and temporal (and spatial) spacing. The basis is the application of the optical transistor, which we have introduced as an optical device, to control light by light in a purely optical way. In particular, we show the possibility of using a saturable $\mathbf{C r}^{++}:$YAG absorber with its typical manufacturing parameters. The same methodology is possible using saturable dyes as the control medium.