Neodymium glass laser with ultrasound-controlled emission

Radiation emitted from a neodymium glass laser was modulated by exciting ultrasonic (20–200 kHz) longitudinal vibrations in the active element or in one of the resonator mirrors. The intensity modulation occurred at twice the ultrasonic vibration frequency, with a simultaneous increase by a factor of 2–3 in the average intensity of the spikes. The total energy emitted in a pulse remained constant. The laws governing the modulation were studied, especially its dependence on the ultrasonic amplitude and frequency, over a wide range of pump energies; these laws were independent of the type of active medium used. The mechanism of the ultrasonic modulation of solid-state laser radiation is considered.