Abstract

We report synchronously mode-locked subpicosecond and continuous-wave color-center laser operation in the 1.8–2.4-μm wavelength range. For active materials we use (F₂⁺)_H centers in KBr:O₂⁻ and (F₂⁺)_AH centers in KBr:Na⁺:O₂⁻ crystals. When the lasers are pumped with a continuous-wave or mode-locked NaCl (F₂⁺)_H-center laser in a cascaded configuration, laser operation is obtained over the combined tuning range of 1.8–2.4 μm, with output powers as high as 150 mW. When synchronously mode locked with ~5-ps pump pulses, both KBr lasers yield typically ~1-ps pulse widths over the entire tuning range. Pulses as short as ~400 fs could be obtained at the expense of higher noise levels.

© 1994 Optical Society of America

Optical and laser properties of (F₂⁺)H centers in sulfur-doped NaCl

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