Abstract

Many new solid state laser media have been identified during the last decade, and it is now possible to usefully generate laser light from the ultraviolet region to the mid-infrared. These new laser media have become available in part because of the improved understanding of the solid state physics issues that impact the laser performance. The physics and performance of the new tunable ultraviolet-emitting laser crystal, Ce³⁺:LiSAF, will be discussed, as will the critical physics issues pertaining to the operation of 3 μm Er³⁻ and Ho³⁺-based crystals.

© 1994 Optical Society of America