What is the function of a Q-switch in a laser?

The function of a Q-switch in a laser is to temporarily store energy in the laser medium. This mechanism is crucial for generating high-intensity laser pulses. A Q-switch achieves this by changing the quality factor (Q) of the laser cavity, allowing the energy that is being pumped into the laser medium to accumulate. Once the stored energy reaches a certain threshold, the Q-switch is triggered to release it all at once, resulting in a short, powerful pulse of laser light. This is particularly important in various applications such as laser surgery and materials processing, where intense bursts of light are needed for effective operation.

To provide further context, stabilizing the laser beam does not pertain to the Q-switch's main purpose; instead, that function is more aligned with optical components designed for beam quality enhancement. Filtering out unwanted wavelengths is typically handled by optical filters, while regulating the intensity of the laser output usually involves adjusting the power supply or other laser components rather than utilizing a Q-switch.