Passive Q-switching of the neodymium laser by SrF2-Nd(2+) crystals

The performance of SrF2-Nd(2+) crystals as passive laser shutters for the Q-switching of the neodymium laser was evaluated experimentally. An analysis of the absorption spectrum of the crystals indicates that efficient Q-switching can be achieved over a relatively wide spectral range, from 1.15 to 1.45 micron. Passive shutters made of additively dyed SrF2-Nd(2+) crystals are found to be effective in high-power laser systems both at 300 K and higher temperatures.