Hybrid Q-switch device, lasers using the same, and method of operation

A hybrid Q-switch for a laser device having a laser medium being pumped with energy comprising:

• a solid-state saturable absorber element for controlling loss modulation of said laser device;
• an active Q-switch element having open and closed states for controlling loss modulation of said laser device and positioned in series with said laser medium and said absorber element;
• and,
• means for adjusting timing of said open and closed states of the active Q-switch element, wherein combined loss modulation control from active Q-switch and saturable absorber elements enable generation of a short width, high peak power pulse at a lasing wavelength.

A method of operating a laser device having a laser medium comprising the steps of:

• a) pumping the laser medium to increase gain of said laser device;
• b) controlling loss modulation of a resonator cavity of said device by active Q-switch means;
• c) controlling loss modulation of a resonator cavity by passive Q-switch means,
• wherein loss modulation control from active and passive Q-switch means enable generation of a short width, high peak power pulse at a lasing wavelength.