Spectroscopy and laser characteristics of Cr2+-doped chalcogenide crystals — overview and recent results

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 341; no. 1-2; pp. 28 - 33
• Main Author: Kück, Stefan
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 17-07-2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Cr2; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Laser materials; Optical materials; Optics; Physics; Solid state lasers; Transition metal ion doped materials; Tunable lasers; Cr2; Solid state lasers; Tunable lasers; Transition metal ion doped materials; Infrared laser; Emission spectra; Doped materials; Laser materials; Chromium additions; Optical materials; Absorption spectra; Experimental study; Chalcogenide glasses
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/S0925-8388(02)00094-4

Cr2+-doped chalcogenide crystals are efficient and broad band tunable solid-state laser materials for the infrared spectral range between 2 and 3 μm. Pulsed, continuous wave, gain-switched, mode-locked and diode-pumped laser operation have been demonstrated in the recent years. Possible applications of these mid-infrared lasers include scientific research, remote sensing, trace gas analysis, medicine, biology, materials processing, and ultrashort pulse generation. In this paper an overview about the material properties and the laser characteristics of these newly developed laser materials will be given, including the recent results.