Passively Q-switched and mode-locked dual-wavelength Nd:GGG laser with Cr4+:YAG as a saturable absorber.

Abstract: By using neodymium-doped gadolinium gallium garnet (Nd:GGG) as a laser medium, a simultaneously passively Q-switched and mode-locked (QML) dual-wavelength laser with Cr4+:YAG as a saturable absorber is presented. The laser simultaneously oscillated at 1061nm and 1063nm, corresponding to a frequency difference of 0.53THz. QML pulses with nearly 100% modulation depth were observed. The mode-locked pulse duration underneath the Q-switched envelope was estimated to be about 908ps. The experimental results indicated that the dual-wavelength QML Nd:GGG laser can be an excellent candidate for the generation of THz waves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]