New Crystalline Materials for Nonlinear Frequency Conversion, Electro-Optic Modulation, and Mid-Infrared Gain Media

摘要

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL,) has programs that involve the development and deployment of many different kinds of new and novel laser systems for research applications. One example of the work being conducted at LLNL is the development of near-infrared (1 (micro)m) lasers for fusion energy research and material processing. Novel near-infrared laser systems such as these utilize nonlinear crystals for frequency conversion (since many applications require the second or third harmonic of the fundamental wavelength) and for polarization antrol (Pockels cells). As state-of-the-art laser systems are engineered, unique requirements are placed on the nonlinear crystals used for frequency conversion that are not easily satisfied by commercially available nonlinear crystals. Therefore as frequency conversion requirements extend to unprecedented regimes, new nonlinear crystals need to be identified and developed. Another example of new lasers being developed at LLNL is tunable mid-infrared solid-state lasers for use in remote sensing and laser radar. Tunable mid-infrared (>2 (micro)m) laser materials are scarce which makes the development of these systems. In order to satisfy these demands for tunable mid-infrared solid-state lasers, new mid-infrared laser crystals need to be discovered.