Abstract

We have recently reported successful operation of the longest known, to our knowledge, wavelength rare-earth-doped solid-state laser at 7.2 μm in the low pho-non material Pr:LaCl₃.^1,2 This success along with successful operation of lasers at 5.2 μm and 1.6 μm in Pr:LaCl₃ has prompted much interest in this material for mid-IR lasers.³ In order to better understand the energy transfer processes that occur in these lasers, we have undertaken spectroscopic investigations to model the energy transfer processes that influence lasing at these wavelengths. We report the results of these investigations.

© 1996 Optical Society of America