Few-ns, kW peak power Q-switched pulses from orange and red Pr:YLF lasers

We report on the generation of few-ns pulses with kW peak power in the red and orange spectral range obtained from a passively Q-switched Pr 3+ :YLF laser. A compact resonator and thorough investigation of the Co:MgAl 2 O 4 saturable absorber’s initial transmission enables peak powers in excess of 1.1 kW at pulse durations of 2.4 ns and 5.3 ns at 640 nm and 607 nm, respectively. These are the shortest pulse durations among any Q-switched Pr 3+ laser and make this system a suitable front-end for efficient frequency doubling into the ultraviolet range.