Acousto-optic Q-Switches are special Modulators designed for use inside laser cavities. They have exceptionally low insertion loss and are able to withstand very high laser powers. In normal use an RF signal is applied to the Q-Switch causing it to deflect a proportion of the laser beam. This increases the cavity losses and prevents lasing. When the RF signal is switched off, the cavity losses decrease rapidly and an intense laser pulse evolves.

 

Gooch & Housego manufactures Q-Switches for use in infra-red, lamp-pumped and diode-pumped solid state lasers, and specialise in developing custom-made solutions. When choosing a Q-Switch, key parameters to consider are wavelength, optical power density, polarization, beam diameter, loss modulation, size constraints/mechanical configuration and cooling possibilities.

 

Typical applications include: Materials processing (marking, engraving, cutting, drilling), medical surgery, lithography & rapid prototyping