In single pulsed Q-switched operation, what happens to energy before release?

In single pulsed Q-switched operation, the laser energy is intentionally stored within the laser medium during the initial phase of operation. This is achieved by using a Q-switch, which is an optical device that temporarily prevents the buildup of laser light in the resonator. By keeping the laser gain medium energized while blocking light from exiting, energy accumulates until a specific threshold is reached.

Once the Q-switch is actuated, it allows the accumulated energy to be released all at once in a short, intense pulse. This results in a very high peak power that can be significantly higher than that of continuous wave lasers. The ability to store energy effectively leads to a dramatic increase in output energy when the pulse is released, making it useful for applications that require high-energy laser pulses, such as in material processing or medical procedures.

The other options don't accurately describe the process: energy is not evenly distributed prior to release; it is not dissipated as heat, as that would reduce efficiency; and while focusing through a lens may happen during utilization, it doesn't refer to what occurs before the energy is released from the laser medium.