Optical spectroscopy and multiple-line gain in Pr3+-activated fluoroaluminate glass

摘要

We demonstrate the results of excited-state absorption measurements that reveal optical gain at several lines due to triplet-triplet transitions in Pr3+ ions in a fluoroaluminate glass host. Gain around 589 nm is especially attractive for laser applications in the area of satellite communication. The multiple-line character of the gain as well as the broadening of these lines is very promising because it can make possible the creation of a widely tunable solid-state laser. The gain measurements are complemented by systematic measurements of the basic spectroscopic characteristics of Pr3+ in the fluoroaluminate glass host, where we demonstrate the role of energy transfer and nonradiative transitions in the deexcitation process. The latter is associated with a defect state in the glass host. [References: 19]