Laser light-source apparatus and laser pulse light generating method

A laser light-source apparatus comprising:

• a first light source configured to output pulse light based on gain switching;
• a fiber amplifier configured to amplify the pulse light output from the first light source;
• a solid state amplifier configured to amplify the pulse light output from the fiber amplifier;
• a nonlinear optical element configured to perform wavelength conversion on the pulse light output from the solid state amplifier and output the resultant pulse light;
• a second light source that is provided on an upstream side of the solid state amplifier and is configured to output laser light that is able to be combined with the pulse light output from the first light source and that has an oscillation wavelength set to be within an amplification band of the solid state amplifier;
• an optical switching element that is disposed between the fiber amplifier and the solid state amplifier, and is configured to permit or stop propagation of light from the fiber amplifier to the solid state amplifier;
• and
• a control unit configured to achieve in an output permitted state in which the nonlinear optical element outputs the pulse light, an output stopped state in which the nonlinear optical element stops outputting the pulse light by stopping propagation of the pulse light from the first light source to the solid state amplifier by controlling the optical switching element, with power of excitation light to the solid state amplifier maintained, and to perform control in such a manner that the second light source oscillates in the output stopped state.