Influence of reducing-oxidizing conditions on the optical properties of Co(2+)-doped magnesium aluminosilicate glass ceramics and their use as an effective saturable absorber Q switch

Nonlinear optical properties of Co(2+)-doped magnesium aluminosilicate glass ceramics prepared under normal and reducing conditions are studied in the range of the 4A2 --> 4T1(4F) transition of tetrahedral Co2+ ions. The results of passive Q switching of a 1.54-microm Er3+:glass laser with saturable absorbers made of Co(2+)-doped glass ceramics prepared at different conditions are presented. Q-switched pulses of 60 ns in duration and of 4.6 mJ in energy, corresponding to approximately 20% of the Q-switching conversion efficiency, are achieved.