Abstract

A cw laser using F₂⁺ centers in KF, continuously tunable over the range 1.26 ≤ λ ≤ 1.48 μm and having a measured slope efficiency of 30%, is described. A selective, two-step photoionization process was used to provide the required F₂⁺-center density. Also, preliminary report is made of an F₂⁺-center laser in LiF having cw outputs in excess of 1 W.

© 1978 Optical Society of America

Room-temperature-stable, F₂⁺-like center yields cw laser tunable over the 0.99–1.22-μm range

L. F. Mollenauer
Opt. Lett. 5(5) 188-190 (1980)

Dyelike lasers for the 0.9–2-μm region using F₂⁺ centers in alkali halides

L. F. Mollenauer
Opt. Lett. 1(5) 164-165 (1977)

Color-center laser generates picosecond pulses and several watts cw over the 1.24–1.45-μm range

L. F. Mollenauer and D. M. Bloom
Opt. Lett. 4(8) 247-249 (1979)

Broadly tunable laser action beyond 3 μm from (F₂⁺)A centers in lithium-doped KI

Irwin Schneider and Charles L. Marquardt
Opt. Lett. 6(12) 627-628 (1981)

Selective two-step photoionization of F-aggregate centers using 1.06-μm radiation

Irwin Schneider and D. R. Foster
Opt. Lett. 11(11) 700-702 (1986)