Abstract

Excited State Absorption (ESA) was measured in the π and σ polarizations for Cr:LiSAF using a Q-switched alexandrite laser pump. ESA is a significant effect in most of the lasing band. Cr:LiSAF samples of 2.2, 7.4 and 100% Cr were used to measure the lifetime reduction due to the upconversion process. Results indicate a concentration dependence and a significant lifetime reduction at high excitation level with the 100% Cr sample lifetime being reduced from 61 µsec to < 3 µsec.

© 1992 Optical Society of America