Characterization of new color center and transition metal ion lasers

Thesis/Dissertation · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:7266743

Carrig, T J

This thesis describes efforts to develop and characterize promising new solid-state laser materials. The author has been interested in lasers in the 1 to 2 [mu]m spectral region, with emphasis on developing a tunable laser at 1.3 [mu]m. The aim is for broadly tunable systems that deliver high continuous-wave (cw) output powers ([approximately]1 W), are efficient, can be diode pumped, can be operated as single longitudinal mode devices (narrow linewidth), and can be used to generate ultrashort (subpicosecond) pulses. This thesis involves the NaCl F[sub 2][sup +]:O[sup 2[minus]] color center laser, the KCl N[sub 2] color center laser, and the Cr[sup 4+]:Mg[sub 2]SiO[sub 4] (forsterite) transition metal ion laser. Studies of potentially laser-active color center defects in NaF, KF, and RbCl are described. Studies of the NaCl:OH[sup [minus]] laser were aimed at evaluating the effect of auxiliary light on laser performance. The choice of auxiliary light source used for color center reorientation has little impact on the tuning range or output power of the system. F-band auxiliary light was observed to create a transient absorption band due to the F[sub 2][sup [minus]] color center. The KCl N-center laser tuned from 1.23 to 1.35 [mu]m. Operation is limited to cryogenic temperatures with a Q-switched pump source. A high output power, cw chromium-doped forsterite laser was built. Output powers as great as 2.8 W at 77 K and 750 mW at room temperature have been generated. Laser performance using Nd:YAG, Ti:sapphire, and krypton ion pump lasers is characterized and recommendations are made concerning the feasibility of building a diode-pumped system. The laser potentials of an assortment of color center defects in the KF, RbCl, and NaF hosts have been investigated. These studies involved crystal growth and fabrication, coloration, optical light processing of centers, and spectroscopic measurements.

• Research Organization: Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)
• OSTI ID: 7266743
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
426002* -- Engineering-- Lasers & Masers-- (1990-)
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
CHARGED PARTICLES
CHLORIDES
CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
CHROMIUM IONS
COLOR CENTERS
COMPLEXES
CRYSTAL DEFECTS
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
FREQUENCY SELECTION
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
IONS
LASERS
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM SILICATES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POINT DEFECTS
POTASSIUM CHLORIDES
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM FLUORIDES
RUBIDIUM CHLORIDES
RUBIDIUM COMPOUNDS
SILICATES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SODIUM CHLORIDES
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM FLUORIDES
SOLID STATE LASERS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPLEXES
VACANCIES