Co:MALO Q-Switch Crystals

Co²⁺:MgAl2O4 (Co:Spinel or Co:MALO) crystals for passive Q-switching of lasers emitting from 1.2 to 1.6 µm, in particular the eye-safe 1.54 µm Er:glass laser; they also work at 1.44 µm and 1.34 µm. The high absorption cross section allows Q-switching of Er:glass lasers without intracavity focusing, with flash-lamp or diode-laser pumping, and the negligible excited-state absorption gives high Q-switch contrast. Square and round elements are offered with various initial transmissions, AR coated for ~1540 nm or uncoated.