Q-switches are devices used in the optical resonator of a laser to prevent lasing action until a high level of inversion is achieved in the lasing medium. There are many types of Q-switches. Examples include laser Q-switches, AO Q-switches, and micro Q-switches. Acoustic-optic Q-switches and AO Q-switches are optical devices consisting of an A/R coated fused silica cell which has an integral acoustic transducer. Micro Q-switches are used for ultra-short cavities. Q-switching is a technique by which a laser can be made to produce a pulsed output beam. This technique allows the production of light pulses with an extremely high peak power, much higher than would be produced by the same laser if it were operating in a continuous wave mode. Q-switching by laser Q-switches generates short pulse laser beams with high peak power that are desirable in most laser applications. Other Q-switches are commonly available.