Tunable Mercury Cadmium Telluride Infrared Lasers,
Abstract
We report the development of the first tunable spin-flip Raman laser (SFRL) using crystals of the semiconductor alloy mercury cadmium telluride (Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te). In addition, tunable recombination laser emission has also been observed. When optically pumped by a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, the crystals emit laser radiation that is magnetically tunable in the 9 to 11-micrometer wavelength range. Improved crystal technology should permit extension of this tunable range. Potential applications for these lasers are as local oscillators for infrared heterodyne receivers, as high-brightness, high-resolution sources for determining the laser transmission properties of the atmosphere, and as sources for covert, short-range communications links and isotope separation. Experiments were performed with mercury cadmium telluride crystals that were designed to have their absorption edge in near wavelength coincidence with the various lines available from CO2 laser. The crystals were held at near-liquid-helium temperature, and placed in the field of a superconductive or conventional electromagnet. Both pulsed and cw tunable laser radiations were achieved. Thus far, most of the spectral gaps between the lines of a conventional CO2 laser have been filled using these new tunable lasers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA026151
Entities
People
- Bruce A. Weber
- Joseph Nemarich
- Joseph P. Sattler
Organizations
- Harry Diamond Laboratories