Dyelike lasers for the 0.9-2-microm region using F(2)+ centers in alkali halides.
Optically pumped, cw laser action with F(2)+ centers in the alkali halides is reported. With the host NaF, the laser was continuously tunable over the range 0.885 less, similar lambda less, similar 1.00 microm, and pump power near threshold was ~40 mW at band center. The required high density of F(2)+ centers was created by a simple process involving radiation damage by a 1-MeV e(-) beam. With the F(2)+ in other hosts as well, it should be possible to cover the entire range, 0.9 less, similar lambda less, similar 2 microm.
Mollenauer
L F
LF