Description

Co2+ MgAlO4 Q-Switch Crystal is a relatively new material for passive Q-switching in lasers emitting from 1.2 to 1.6 um. X-Z LAB offers this cobalt-doped magnesium aluminate spinel for builders of compact, eye-safe laser sources. It belongs to the spinel family, a rugged oxide host known for mechanical and thermal stability.

Why the Co2+ MgAlO4 Q-Switch Crystal works so well

The headline number is the absorption cross-section: 3.5 x 10-19 cm2 at the lasing wavelength. This high value permits Q-switching of Glass(Er) lasers without intracavity focusing, with both flash-lamp and diode-laser pumping. As a result, the resonator stays simple and alignment stays forgiving.

High contrast from negligible excited-state absorption

Excited-state absorption in this material is negligible. Therefore, the Q-switch delivers high contrast. In practice, that means clean, high-contrast pulses from a short, simple cavity.

Built for eye-safe and compact systems

The crystal’s excellent optical, mechanical, and thermal properties support compact and reliable laser designs. It shines in eye-safe 1.54 um Glass(Er) lasers, and it also works at 1.44 um and 1.34 um. In other words, the 1.2-1.6 um window it covers includes all three transitions designers actually use.

Uniform cobalt distribution across the boule keeps absorption consistent from part to part. As a result, production builds behave like the prototype. High optical quality means low scatter loss, so more of the stored energy reaches the output pulse.

Because no intracavity focusing is required, the resonator stays short and alignment stays simple. Diode pumping shrinks the power supply further. Together, these traits suit compact, field-ready sources where size and reliability both matter. For shorter-wavelength systems, see also our Cr4+:YAG Q-switch crystal as a companion option. In short, you get high-contrast pulses from a simple, compact cavity.

Request a quote for Co2+ MgAlO4 Q-Switch Crystal with your wavelength and size requirements.