Title :
Development of Nd-doped solid-state laser materials for 944 nm operation
Author :
Noginov, M.A. ; Loutts, G.B. ; Lucas, B.D. ; Fider, D. ; Higgins, P.T. ; Truong, A. ; Noginova, N. ; Barnes, N.P. ; Kuck, S.
Author_Institution :
Center for Mater. Res., Norfolk State Univ., VA, USA
fDate :
3/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
We have grown neodymium-doped mixed apatite crystals [(Sr1-x Bax)5(PO4)3F, Sr5 (P1-xVxO4)3F, and Ba 5(P1-xVxO4)3F] and spectroscopically studied them as potential gain media for a laser source for atmospheric water sensing operating at 944.11 nm. We conclude that an appropriate apatite host material for a 944.11 nm laser should be a mixture of Sr5(PO4)3F. With a small fraction of Ba5(PO4)3F. Precise wavelength tuning around 944.11 nm can be accomplished by varying the host composition, temperature, and threshold population inversion. In apatite crystals of mixed composition, the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) loss at 1.06 μm is predicted to be significantly smaller than that in the end members
Keywords :
atmospheric humidity; atmospheric measuring apparatus; atmospheric techniques; infrared sources; infrared spectroscopy; laser transitions; laser tuning; neodymium; optical materials; population inversion; solid lasers; superradiance; (Sr1-xBax)5(PO4) 3F; 1.06 mum; 944 nm operation; 944.11 nm; Ba5(P1-xVxO4)3 F; Ba5(PO4)3F:Nd; Nd-doped solid-state laser materials; Sr5(P1-xVxO4)3 F; Sr5(PO4)3F:Nd; amplified spontaneous emission loss; apatite host material; atmospheric water sensing; end members; gain media; host composition; laser source; neodymium-doped mixed apatite crystals; precise wavelength tuning; threshold population inversion; Composite materials; Crystalline materials; Crystals; Laser tuning; Optical materials; Solid lasers; Spectroscopy; Strontium; Temperature; Water resources;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
