Abstract

Recent results on new solid state laser materials that are pumpable with AlGa As and InGaAs laser diodes will be discussed. For laser applications near 1.06 μm, Nd-doped KYF₄ boules (5 cm long by 2 cm diameter) have been grown by the top-seeded solution method with concentrations as high as 3% while maintaining excellent optical quality. The broad absorption spectra near 800 nm and the long (>500 μs) fluorescence lifetime of the ⁴F_3/2 laser state in this host are attractive features over both YAG and YLF for Q-switch applications. Polarized optical spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, Judd–Ofelt analysis, and laser parameters (cross sections) will be presented. In addition, several crystalline and glass hosts doped with Er and Yb/Er are being investigated for eye-safe emission near 1.5 μm. Spectroscopic, energy transfer, and laser investigations have been carried out, and examples will be given.

© 1992 Optical Society of America