Laser pulse calculation - a quick bit of help appreciated

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T7
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Hi,

a. A free-running, flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser produced pulses having a duration of 500 microseconds at a repetition frequency of l00Hz. Deduce the pulse power in this type of operation if the average power of the laser is 5W. (100W)​

b. This laser is then Q-switched and the average power is reduced to 4W. Deduce the peak power of the Q-switched power (2MW)​

I'm sure this is simple, but I don't seem to be getting the answer I'm supposed to. Anyone care to show how it ought to be done? :smile:

Cheers.

T7
 
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Can you show us how far you have come in your calculations?
 
Mattara said:
Can you show us how far you have come in your calculations?

Yup. I think I've just realized what I was doing wrong as far as part a is concerned.

Let Pa denote average power
Let Pp denote power of one pulse
Let Ep denote energy of one pulse
Let t denote time of one pulse

If Pa = 5W, and f = 100Hz, then

Ep x 100 = 5 => Ep = 0.05
Pp = Ep / t = 0.05 / (500 x 10^-6) = 100W

I think that's right. (Hope so).
 
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Mattara said:
Can you show us how far you have come in your calculations?

I would apply a similar sort of working to the second part. I don't see how it can be done without more information.