Optical and Lasing Properties of Cr³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and V²⁺ Doped Perovskites

Abstract

In the last years insulating single crystals doped with transition metal ions (TM) have proved their potential as laser material for laser systems tunable in the infrared spectral region. Since the first investigations of the laser properties of such so called vibronic lasers [1] several systems have successfully operated cw even at room temperature [2–6].In this paper we survey the electronic and lasing properties of TM in alkali-metal-halides. The goal of these investigations is the development of vibronic lasers on the basis of these materials which should have properties as close as possible to the following requirements:

• a) these lasers should be broadly tunable so that few systems necessary to cover the infrared spectral region. Therefore, reabsorption and excited state absorption should be negligible.

• b) the lasers should operate cw at room temperature at a high output level.

• c) the lasers should have a high total efficiency which means that a high quantum efficiency and broad pump levels are desirable.

• d) last but not least the laser material should be optically and mechanically stable and isotropic.The growth of large single crystals should be possible.The crystals also must have a reasonable room temperature heat conductivity and little nonlinear behaviour.