Abstract:
Optimization of the technology of fabrication of active LiF (F2→F2+) laser elements operating at room temperature ensured high parameters of broad-band emission of light by the F2 and F2+ color centers in a nonselective resonator pumped by the second harmonic of a pulse-periodic YAG:Nd3+ laser (λ = 0.532 μm). The efficiency of the LiF (F2→F2+) laser, expressed in terms of the pumping, was 38%, whereas in terms of the absorbed energy it was 41%. The service life of one pump channel of the LiF (F2→F2+) laser exceeded 5 × 105 pulses when the pump radiation power density was 150 MW/cm2 and the diameter of the active channel was d = 1.5 mm. Broad-band lasing of the F2 color centers in the same system, but without focusing of the pump radiation, was observed for a period of 15 min at a pulse repetition frequency 12.5 Hz when the pump power density was 40 MW/cm2.