Abstract

Applications to laser materials processing requires a novel solid state laser characterized by higher efficiency and larger output energy than the standard commercial materials. There is a revival of interest in the laser-type materials doped either by rare-earth ions (Nd³⁺, Er³⁺, Ho³⁺) or by metal-transition ions (Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, V²⁺, Cr³⁺, Ti³⁺). The spectral range of the emission is located in the near infrared and we have the possibility to obtain both a single-frequency laser with rare-earth centers and a tunable-frequency laser with metal-transition centers. In this paper we deal with: Nd³⁺-doped GGG-type garnets and Nd³⁺-doped lanthanum magnesium aluminate; Cr³⁺-doped GGG-type garnets and Cr³⁺-doped lanthanum magnesium aluminate; Cr³⁺/Nd³⁺-codoped GGG-type garnets.

© 1986 Optical Society of America