The influence of the quality of ruby on the parameters of the Q-switched laser

The factors influencing energy threshold, slope efficiency and damage threshold of the Q-switched ruby laser are described. Energy output of crystals containing O(-) centre (increased absorption near 430 nm) is not substantially decreased. Energy threshold increase and output decrease of the Q-switched ruby were also observed using rods with anomalous birefringence, whereas optical homogeneity defined as a number of interference fringes is not so important as in the case of the free-running laser. Damage threshold due to laser radiation is decreased by the presence of divalent chromium, striations and to a lesser extent by the presence of inclusions.