Tunable laser via F 2 + and F 2 − colour centers in the spectral region 0.88–1.25 μm

Abstract

Frequency-tunable generation by means of F2+ and F2− colour centers in a LiF crystal is reported. Colour centers were created by illuminating LiF crystals with electrons of 3 meV energy at the electron current density of 1 μA/cm2. The pumping source was a ruby laser with a peak power of 20 MW, a pulse duration of 20 ns, and a repetition rate of 1 Hz. The frequency tuning is obtained in the range of 0.88–1.25 μm. Discussed are the ways of pumping of colour centers and the possibility of lasing in the spectral region of 0.85 to 2 μm in the type of colour centers under investigation.