Q-switched, mode-locked, and cavity-dumped ruby laser

A single, coaxial spark-gap switch is used to initiate the functions of Q switching, actively mode locking, and cavity dumping of a ruby laser oscillator. These functions are shown to be easily synchronized to high precision. As a result, a single light pulse having an energy of 180 mJ and 400 ps duration, can be dumped from the cavity after only 100 ns delay with respect to the trigger pulse. Shot-to-shot jitter of ±50 ps (with respect to switch closure), and ±10% in energy is demonstrated.