Color center lasers for infrared spectroscopy

Two color center laser spectrometers were developed using an FA(II)and FB(II) color center laser system for the 2.2-3.3 um region, and a powerful single mode F2+ color center ring laser for the 0.82-1.05 um region. Both lasers are interfaced to a minicomputer to provide long range scanning, high resolution data acquisition, and automatic calibration. An extensive set of software algorithms and a stable hardware interface between the laser and computer are necessary to reliably control and calibrate the lasers. The method, described as magnetic rotation spectroscopy, uses the Faraday effect to modulate the polarization of a beam travelling through a paramagnetic specie. A1 F2- color center was built in a ring configuration to obtain maximum single mode output power. Design criteria for the laser resonator, the optical which forces unidirectional operation of the laser, and the tuning system have been developed to prolong the lifetime of the F2- crystal, and to insure stable and unidirectional single mode operation.