Abstract

A stimulated emission without cavity in pulverized solid-state luminophosphors was first reported in 1986 by Markushev et al. [1] who observed a dramatic narrowing of Nd luminescence line (⁴F_3/2-⁴I_11/2) when the pumping energy exceeded some critical threshold level; at the same time a series of subnanosecond emission pulses at 1.06 μm appeared in response to a single 30 ns pumping pulse. In several publications gain+scattering media were proposed to be used for express testing of novel solid-state laser materials, interial confinement laser fusion, holography, and in Identification of Friend and Foe devices. These and other applications stimulated our interest to further studies of powder lasers. In the present paper we report the effects of the medium volume density, external seeding, and external mirror on stimulated emission in powders and ceramics.

© 1998 IEEE