Abstract

Cr³⁺-doped LiSrAlF₆ (Cr:LiSAF) has been demonstrated to be a useful laser material in a variety of laser configurations and systems. Cr:LiSAF has been pumped by both flashlamps and laser diodes, can be Q-switched, and has been demonstrated to tune from 780 nm to beyond 1 pm.^1-3 The relatively large emission cross section and the strong and broad absorption features have contributed to the utility of the material. In addition, the thermomechanical properties have been judged to be adequate, and the thermal lensing is expected to be low.⁴

© 1992 Optical Society of America