Passively Q-switched solid-state lasers with intracavity optical parametric oscillators

A rate-equation-based model that describes the behavior of a passively Q-switched solid-state laser containing an intracavity optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is developed. In such a laser there is no output at the fundamental or pump wavelength. When the OPO signal field begins to build up, it acts as a loss for the pump and thus cavity dumps the pump resonator. The model developed explains this behavior and enables one to select OPO parameters which optimize the system's performance. Application of the model to a compact, lightweight, eye-safe, laser range finder operating at 1.54 /spl mu/m is also described.