Differences between continuous wave laser vs Q-switched laser

Lasers are defined by the type of medium that they use such as gas, dye, solid state or excimer. The difference between a continuous wave (cw) laser and a Q-switched laser is simply characterized by the length or duration of the laser emission.

A continuous wave laser operates with stable or continuous output power. The output power of a cw laser is typically measured in watts. A Q-switched laser is generally classified as a pulsed laser, as its output is characterized by pulses of energy which occur at a particular pulse repetition frequency. Within the cavity of the Q-switched laser there is a nonlinear crystal, known as a Q-switch, that does not allow any release of laser light before it is opened. This means that energy is built up in a Q-switched laser which is then released when opening the Q-switch and this can produce a very strong laser pulse. These pulses usually have a pulse length of 1-5 ns (depending on the cavity design) and have peak powers in the megawatt range.

Differentiating between the continuous wave laser vs Q-switched laser is easy. However, at Cobolt we understand that it will be the customers application in the end which determines which will suit the best.