Parametric conversion of infrared radiation in an AgGaS2 crystal

A computer calculation is reported of the main characteristics of a parametric converter of middle-infrared radiation in a silver thiogallate crystal pumped with ruby laser radiation. A description is given of experimental conversion of CO₂ laser radiation to the visible range in an AgGaS₂ crystal, confirming the results of calculations. The conversion efficiency is found to be 10% for Q-switched pump-laser radiation of 2.2×10⁵ W/cm² power density in a crystal 3.3 mm long.