MICRO-LASER SWITCHABLE BY LATERALLY-PUMPED Q-SWITCHING

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a micro-laser generate a series of pulses, having a large pulse energy and an average power level, by extending a Q-switch in the longitudinal direction along the side face of a micro-resonator opposite to the side face of the micro-resonator through which pumping signals are introduced for making the medium easily pumpable. SOLUTION: A micro-laser 10 incorporates an active gain medium 12, a micro-resonator having a Q-switch 14 directly adjoining the medium 12, and a pumping source 22 for pumping the medium 12 with pumping signals. The laser 10 makes pumping from its side face. The micro-laser 10 has a first side face 24 which is adjoined to the medium 12 and is extended between facing end faces 16 formed of the medium 12. The pumping source 22 is positioned, so that the pumping signals are supplied through the first side face 24 of the micro-resonator. As a result, the medium 12 can be pumped efficiently.