Erbium laser materials and systems

The results of an erbium laser materials and systems investigation are presented. Studies include optical properties and laser system parameters of yb³⁺-sensitized YAG:Er and glass: Er and their relationship to the optimization of laser host materials and laser system design. Optical properties discussed include absorption, fluorescence, and excitation spectra, as well as fluorescence lifetimes; these properties will be related to actual laser performance data. An experiment was conducted to determine the emission cross section for YAG:Er, Yb, which is compared with cross sections of ruby and YAG:Nd. the Q-switched laser performance of the optimized compositions of YAG:Er,Yb and glass:Er, Yb are presented. Projections are made concerning the potential of the erbium laser in reducing the eye-safety problem and the expectation for applications to target range finding and illumination.