What is the maximum allowed duty cycle?

This strongly depends on the laser.

As a general rule, most lasers sold by Alpes Lasers SA are capable of being driven up to 10% duty cycle with pulse lengths up to 100ns. Whenever you drive a laser at a duty cycle higher than specified, monitor the average output power; do not increase the duty cycle any more when the power saturates, but reduce it again to stay on the safe side.

If possible, increase the duty cycle by reducing the pulse period, not by increasing the pulse length, since the latter is more dangerous: It increases the short time heat load on the laser, instead of the average heat load.

Before doing such experiments, it is recommended to contact Alpes Lasers SA, otherwise the responsibility is with you!