Open AccessMagneto-optical Q-switching using magnetic garnet film with micromagnetic domains
Author(s) -
Taichi Goto,
Ryohei Morimoto,
John W. Pritchard,
Mani Mina,
Hiroyuki Takagi,
Yūichi Nakamura,
Pang Boey Lim,
Takunori Taira,
M. Inoue
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.017635
Subject(s) - laser , optics , switching time , materials science , pulsed power , q switching , pulse (music) , pulse width modulation , optical switch , optoelectronics , power (physics) , magnetic field , pulse duration , physics , detector , quantum mechanics
High-power giant pulses can be used applied in various applications with Q-switched micro-lasers. This method can shorten the pulse duration; however, active control is currently impossible in micro-lasers. To achieve precise pulse control while maintaining compactness and simplicity, we exploit the magneto-optical effect in magnetic garnet films with micromagnetic domains that can be actively controlled by a pulsed magnetic field. Our Q-switching technique enhances the output power by a factor of 4 × 10 3 . Moreover, the device itself is smaller than other Q-switching devices. This novel type of active Q-switch can be combined with a micro-laser to obtain megawatt-order pulses.