| abstract |
A passive Q-switch (108) for a laser system (100), and a method for its production. The laser (100) is operative at near infrared wavelength region, including the eye-safe region. The Q-switch (108) includes a saturable absorber based on IV VI semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), embedded in a polymer matrix. The NCs preferably include lead selenide or lead sulfide. The NCs may be surface passivated, and may feature a PbSe/PbS core-shell configuration. |