Changing Laser Pulse Energy for Q-Switching Solid State Lasers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ability to change the energy of a laser pulse in Q-switching solid state lasers without altering the wavelength. Participants explore the relationship between pulse energy and various operational parameters of the laser.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to change the energy of a laser pulse without changing the wavelength.
  • Another participant suggests that energy can be increased or decreased within the operational range of the laser, but seeks clarification on the specifics.
  • A different participant asserts that, according to their understanding, the energy of the photons and the laser is dependent on the wavelength, referencing the formula for photon energy.
  • In response, another participant clarifies that the initial formula applies to individual photons and notes that the total energy of a laser pulse involves many photons, suggesting that changing the repetition rate, pulse width, and power can affect pulse energy without changing the wavelength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether pulse energy can be altered independently of wavelength. Some agree that operational parameters can influence pulse energy, while others maintain that energy changes are inherently linked to wavelength changes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between photon energy and wavelength, and the implications of operational parameters on pulse energy remain unresolved.

predrummer
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Hi to you all,

I have a quick question about laser pulse energy.

For Q-switching solid state laser source, can you change the energy of a laser pulse without changing the wavelength? If so, how?

Thanks so much...
 
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I'm not sure what you are asking. You should be able to increase or decrease the energy in the pulse to a varying degree that is within the operational range of the laser. Did you have a more specific question?
 
Unfortunately, my knowledge in this area is not deep. As far as I know, the energy of the photons, and the laser, will only change when the wavelength changes, as necessitated by:

[itex]E=\frac{h\ =\ 6.62606876(52)\ \times\ 10^{-34}\ J\ s}{λ}.c[/itex]

where E is the energy, h is the Planck's constant, c is the speed of light and λ is the wavelength.

So, when we try to increase the energy of the laser in our process, I don't know it is done by either changing the wavelength or any other way.

Hope this makes things clearer.
Thanks.
 
Yes, it is right. I just realized the formula is just for one photon. :) When calculating the laser pulse energy, you have actually much more photons. So considering the laser pulse, by changing the repetition rate, you can increase the energy of the laser pulse without changing the wavelength. You can even manipulate by playing with pulse width and power of the laser system you have.
Have a look at the laser pulse calculator from the link to see the real contributions of the parameters to pulse energy:
http://www.calctool.org/CALC/phys/optics/pulsed_source
 

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