Ground state depletion – A step towards mid-IR lasing of doped silver halides

Abstract

We show for the first time ground state absorption saturation in a doped silver halide crystal (AgClxBr1−x), specifically with cobalt. Spectroscopic studies showed absorption bands in the 1.4–2.5μm region and emission bands in the 3.8–5.0μm region, with a 1.5ms lifetime at low temperatures. Absorption saturation indicates a good low and room temperature lasing feasibility at 4.1μm. In addition, a comparison of cobalt, nickel and iron as dopants is presented. These doped silver halide crystals can be extruded to form optical fibers, possibly introducing a new family of fiber lasers for the middle infrared.