Q-switch1
/ˈkjuːswɪtʃ/Physics
noun
A means of suddenly increasing or decreasing the Q of a laser (usually the former, done in order to produce a single pulse of very high power).
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in Journal of Applied Physics. From Q + switch.
Q-switch2
/ˌkjuːˈswɪtʃ/Physics
verb
[with object] To use a Q-switch on (a laser), usually in order suddenly to increase the Q and produce a single pulse of very high power.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in Journal of Applied Physics. From Q-switch.