A semi-analytical approach for evaluating effects of amplified spontaneous emission on characteristics of Q-switched lasers

Possible effects of amplified spontaneous emission on output pulse characteristics of a Q-switched laser are discussed within the framework of a semi-analytical approach. It is shown that output energy decreases almost exponentially with average path length of the spontaneously emitted photons which in turn depends on geometrical specification and active medium properties as well as on optical finishing of the surfaces (for solid-state lasers). Optimal coupling dependence on the average path length is also investigated and shown to increase with average path length increment.