Q-switched laser

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.Q04967
A
laser
in which the state of the device introducing important losses in the resonant cavity and preventing
lasing
operation is suddenly switched to a state where the device introduces very low losses. This increases rapidly the Quality factor of the cavity, allowing the build-up of a short and very intense
laser
pulse. Typical pulse durations are in the ns range. The Q-switching may be active (a rotating mirror or electro-optic device) or passive (a saturable
absorber
).
See also:
free-running laser
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. (Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)) on page 2266 [Terms] [Paper]