Rare Earth Laser Engineering Program. Part I
Abstract
This report discusses the application of current theories of radiative and non-radiative relaxation processes to the evaluation of crystalline rare earth laser devices. A computer program was developed to evaluate radiative oscillator strengths and transition rates between energy levels of trivalent rare earth ions doped in crystals. Non-radiative relaxation rates were computed using a phenomenological theory of multiphonon emission. A listing of the computer program is included in the appendix along with a detailed description of its operation. The analysis was applied first to some fifteen known rare earth laser devices to establish a basis for comparison with predictions. The program was then used to study the possibility of laser emission form a large number of energy levels throughout the rare earth series. This resulted in the identification of many transitions with significant potential for laser action with wavelengths varying from about 0.5 microns to 3.25 microns. Recommendations for future work include fabrication of predicted laser devices along with extensions of the theoretical models. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0914193
Entities
People
- John A. Caird
Organizations
- Hughes Aircraft Company