Influence of output coupling on the performance of a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with intracavity optical parametric oscillator

Abstract

A singly-resonant intracavity optical parametric oscillator (OPO), pumped by a passively Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, is systematically investigated by means of a series of the output mirrors with various reflectivities for the fundamental wavelength at 1064 nm. Experimental results reveal that the output mirror with partial reflectivity instead of high reflection at 1064 nm not only is practicable to avoid the optical coatings damaged, but also enhances the dual-wavelength output efficiency for the OPO signal and fundamental laser waves. The overall optical-to-optical conversion efficiency is enhanced from 6.4% to 8.2% for the reflectivity decreasing from 99.8% to 90%.