Optical pump-probe processes in nd (3+)-doped KPb2Br5, RbPb2Br5, and KPb2Cl5

摘要

Recently, laser activity has been achieved in the low-phonon-energy, moisture-resistant bromide host crystals: neodymium-doped potassium lead bromide (Nd3+: KPb2Br5) and rubidium lead bromide (Nd3+: RbPb2Br5). Laser activity at 1.07 mu m was observed for both crystalline materials. Laser operation at the new wavelengths of 1.18 and 0.97 mu m resulting from the F-4(5/2) + H-2(9/2) -> I-4(J) transitions (J= 13/2 and 11/2) in Nd:RbPb2Br5 was achieved for the first time in a solid-state laser material. We present cw pump-probe spectra and discuss excited-state absorption and reabsorption processes due to the long-lived lower laser levels, as well as possible depopulation mechanisms feasible for more efficient laser operation in these crystals. The bromides are compared with potassium lead chloride (Nd3+:KPb2Cl5). (c) 2005 Optical Society of America