A repetitivelyQ‐switched Nd: YAG laser has been operated with an intracavity second harmonic generator to produce 1‐W average power at 0.53 &mgr;. The output coupling optimization of this system has been determined from a simplified model and the results of a computer solution are presented, and compared with the optimization condition for the cw mode of operation. Finally, the dependence of the average output power for theQ‐switched mode of operation on the pulse rate is calculated and compared with experimental data.