Tunable visible solid-state lasers based on second-harmonic generation of LiF:F/sub 2//sup -/ in KTP

Summary form only given. Tunable green-yellow lasers are required for a wide range of applications. However, the current solid-state sources in this region, optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) and solid-state dye lasers, have limitations. Operating lifetimes of solid-state dye lasers remain extremely short, and OPOs place strict requirements on the spatial and spectral properties and pointing stability of the pump laser. We investigate a new solid-state route to a tunable visible laser, which minimizes these problems. Efficient operation with broadband tunability through the green-orange region is demonstrated using intracavity second-harmonic generation of room-temperature LiF:F/sub 2//sup -/ lasers in KTP. The unique 1070-nm to 1310-nm operating wavelength range of LiF:F/sub 2//sup -/ makes it the only solid-state laser with the potential for tunable second-harmonic generation across the entire 550-nm to 650-nm region.