All-Solid-State Tunable (Cr2+) Laser
Abstract
We investigated the spectroscopy and laser performance of Cr(2+) ions doped into II-VI semiconductors. Cr(2+) ions in CdSe exhibited strong broadband absorption in the 1.5-2.4 micron band peaked at 1.9 microns. Broadband fluorescence was present in the 1.8-2.8 micron region with a 6 microsecond lifetime in the 60-300 K temperature range. We demonstrated pulsed lasing of Cr(2+):CdSe using a 1 kHz, Q-switched, 2.05-micron, Tm, Ho:YLF pump laser. The Cr(2+):CdSe laser produced 500 mW of broadband output centered at 2.6 microns with 48% absorbed power conversion efficiency. With a larger pump beam to prevent coating damage, 815 mW was demonstrated. Tuning over the 2.3-2.9 micron range was demonstrated using a grating as the tuning element with 350 mW average power at the peak of the tuning curve.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA377645
Entities
People
- Jason Mckay
- Kenneth L Schepler
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory