Abstract

We comprehensively report on the laser measurements and relevant spectroscopic properties of the materials LiCaAlF₆:Cr³⁺ (Cr:L1CAF) and L1SrAlF₆:Cr³⁺ (Cr:LiSAF). Laser-pumped laser measurements show that slope efficiencies of >50% are attainable with currently available Cr:LiCAF material, and that efficiencies of 67% should ultimately be achievable. Efficiencies of 36% have been measured for Cr:LiSAF. The absorption and emission properties, and the direct measurements of the excited state absorption loss, support the data concerning the lasing efficiencies and tuning ranges. Flashlamp-pumped operation of Cr:LiCAF has provided electrical efficiencies of 1.55% thus far, and we expect to obtain performance comparable to that of alexandrite in the future (which is 4% efficiency 1n the present apparatus).

© 1989 Optical Society of America