Continuous-wave laser utilizingF2−centers in an LiF crystal

Continuous lasing in F 2 − centers in a crystal of LiF was observed in the 1.14–1.2 μ range. At room temperature the output power was 70 mW when the crystal was pumped with a cw YAG:Nd 3+ laser ( λ = 1.06 μ ) of 9 W power. The possibility of increasing the efficiency of the color-center laser was analyzed. At a high pulse repetition frequency the average output power was 120 mW. In this case a Q -switched YAG:Nd 3+ laser was employed (the pulse repetition frequency was 50 kHz, the pulse duration was 1 μ sec, and the pump pulse power was 70 W). The Q factor was modulated by a passive switch whose operation also depended on F 2 − centers in an LiF crystal.