Abstract

A small number of ultraviolet (UV) lasers sources are available at wavelengths between the 3rd and 4th harmonics of Nd lasers (265-350 nm), a spectral region where there is emerging demand in biohazard detection, environmental sensing and defence. Cerium doped fluoride lasers and AlGaN semiconductor diodes are presently receiving substantial interest owing to their significant practical advantages over frequency-doubled dye lasers and optical parametric oscillators. There is a need, however, for robust narrow-band UV sources with a broad range of output wavelengths.

© 2007 IEEE