Tunable lasers utilizing color centers in ionic crystals (review)

A review is given of investigations of tunable lasers utilizing color centers in ionic crystals. An analysis is made of the microstructure, spectral, luminescence, and kinetic properties of various complex electron color centers in alkali-halide crystals and alkaline-earth fluoride crystals used or capable of being used as active media in near infrared tunable lasers. Possible causes of optical and thermal instability are discussed for centers having diiferent structures and methods of improving the stability are considered. The parameters of existing color center lasers are presented and the prospects for their development and application are discussed.