Abstract
We report on a comparative evaluation of efficient room-temperature solid-state lasers based on Ti:sapphire and LiF:F2 + operating in the 900–1100-nm range. LiF:F2 + lasers are shown to operate with substantially lower threshold, broader tuning, and higher output pulse energies. The shorter fluorescence lifetime in LiF:F2 + leads to higher peak output powers and a considerable reduction in buildup-time fluctuations. The main limitations on LiF:F2 + laser operation are identified as amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and long-term thermal degradation of the color centers. ASE restricts the tuning range, slope efficiency, and bandwidth of the LiF:F2 + laser for high pump intensity, but broader tuning is achieved with longer pump pulses. The beam quality of the LiF:F2 + laser is comparable with that of the Ti:sapphire laser.
© 2000 Optical Society of America
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