Investigation of Pulse Jitter in a Periodic Laser Pulse Train

Pulse jitter, a consequence of quantum and other systemic noise, affects the periodicity of pulses. To view this, periodic pulse trains are generated using an optically pumped Nd:YAG laser incorporating an intracavity saturable absorber as a passive Q-switch. After this was built, the characterization of this laser was performed, deepening our understanding of this system. Stable periodic pulse train generation was achieved by varying the pump power, cavity length, and absorber location inside the cavity. After this, the dependence of the pulse jitter and rise time on pump power was investigated.