Some features of Q switching of a ruby laser by a passive switch made of neutron-irradiated leucosapphire

An investigation was made of the anisotropy of the initial and residual absorption in a passive switch made of neutron-irradiated leucosapphire and changes in the absorption due to annealing were examined. The influence of these quantities on the output parameters of a ruby laser was studied. The results show that the lasing characteristics depend strongly on the angle between the axis of the switch and the electric vector of the output radiation. The anisotropic absorption in the switch makes it possible to achieve on-line changes in the laser output parameters.