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Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies
Published on: December 18, 2015
Mid-infrared Cr2+:ZnSe random powder lasers.
C Kim1, D V Martyshkin, V V Fedorov
1Department of Physics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, CH 3101, 1530 3rd Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA.
Optics Express
|June 11, 2008
Summary
We developed simple methods to create laser-active chromium-doped zinc selenide (Cr2+:ZnSe) powders. These powders demonstrate room-temperature mid-infrared laser action, offering a new material for laser applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Laser Physics
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- Chromium-doped II-VI semiconductors are promising for mid-infrared (mid-IR) lasers.
- Developing efficient fabrication methods for laser-active Cr2+:ZnSe powders is crucial for practical applications.
- Previous methods often involve complex crystal growth stages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report simple fabrication methods for laser-active Cr2+:ZnSe powders.
- To demonstrate mid-infrared laser action from these powders at room temperature.
- To investigate the influence of grain size on laser performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Cr2+:ZnSe powders with average grain sizes of ~10 µm and ~1 µm.
- Annealing of mixed ZnSe and CrSe powders at 1000°C for 3 days under vacuum (10⁻⁴ Torr).
- Room-temperature laser action testing using 1.56 µm excitation from a Nd:YAG laser.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated Cr2+:ZnSe powders without a crystal growth stage.
- Achieved mid-infrared laser action at room temperature for both 10 µm and 1 µm grain sizes.
- Observed threshold energy levels of 0.5 mJ for 10 µm grains and 3 mJ for 1 µm grains.
Conclusions:
- Simple annealing methods can produce laser-active Cr2+:ZnSe powders.
- Room-temperature mid-infrared laser action is achievable with these powders.
- Grain size influences the lasing threshold energy, with larger grains requiring less energy.
