A method is disclosed for varying a pulse repetition rate of a passively q-switched laser while maintaining other characteristics of the laser radiation. The laser is optically pumped with a sequence of pump pulses which includes alterations between non-zero power levels and is characterized by two adjustable parameters. By simultaneously changing the adjustable parameters, the pulse repetition rate of the laser can be changed while maintaining the laser pulse energy, divergence of the pulsed laser radiation, and optical spectrum of the pulsed laser radiation at constant levels. In one embodiment, the sequence of pump pulses includes pump power offset which magnitude and/or duration is adjusted when the laser repetition rate is changed.