Abstract
We recently discovered a new class of Cr3+ solid-state laser based on the fluoride host materials having the colquiriite structure LiCaAlF6 (Li- CAF)1 and LiSrAIF6 (LiSAF). We found that these materials exhibit efficient laser performance, as determined with a Kr laser-pumped experimental configuration. By taking the passive losses of the laser crystals into account, we find that the extrapolated slope efficiencies of Cr:LiCAF and Cr:LiSAF are 67 and 53%, respectively, while the quantum defect-limited efficiency is 80%. On the other hand, most other Cr lasers typically have efficiencies that are <30%.2 The question arises as to what favorable properties of these hosts are responsible for the efficient laser performance of Cr:LiCAF and Cr:LiSAF.
© 1989 Optical Society of America
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