Tunable visible lasers using F(+) centers in oxides.

Area of Science:

• Solid-state physics
• Laser technology
• Materials science

Background:

• Color centers in ionic crystals are crucial for developing tunable solid-state lasers.
• Calcium oxide (CaO) presents a promising host material for stable color centers.
• Previous research has explored various color centers for laser applications, but blue-spectrum emission remains an area of interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate continuous-wave laser action using F(+) centers in CaO crystals.
• To characterize the performance of this novel laser system.
• To explore the potential of CaO-based lasers for blue light generation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of CaO crystals doped with F(+) centers.
• Pumping the F(+) centers using Ar(+) and N(2) laser lines.
• Tuning the laser output across the blue spectrum (357-420 nm).
• Measuring output power at different wavelengths.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of continuous-wave laser operation in the blue visible spectrum.
• Laser tunability achieved in the range of 357-420 nm.
• An output power of approximately 15 mW was obtained at the band center with 100 mW of input power.

Conclusions:

• F(+) centers in CaO crystals are effective gain media for blue-light lasers.
• The demonstrated laser system offers tunability and moderate output power, suitable for specific applications.
• This work contributes to the development of solid-state lasers in the blue spectral region.