A stable Q-switched laser source for free-space optical communication

A stable acousto-optic Q-switched Nd:YVO/sub 4/ laser is presented. It is pumped by a high power continuous wave (CW) laser diode (LD). At the repetition rate of 10 kHz and the pulse width of 16.3 ns, a maximum single pulse energy of 286 /spl mu/J and a peak power of 13 kW are acquired. Used as a signal source for free-space optical communication, the output signals of the laser agree with the modulating signals perfectly well and it works stably.