LiF:F2 + color center laser with narrowband high-power pulsed output

Design features and performance data are reported from operation of a high-power laser with LiF:F2(+) color center crystals. The apparatus was devised to obtain an appropriate tool for studying the fluorescence properties of ytterbium ions in insulating solids using pulsed laser light at a wavelength near 975 nm, where the transition of interest occurs. The single stage laser was driven by a dye laser with a peak power output of 1 MW. The color center laser was equipped with a gold back mirror and a gold-coated holographic grating for an output coupler and beam expander. The resulting laser beam showed a peak contrast, peak-valley, of 100 at 960 nm, dropping to less than 10 at lower wavelengths. The device has provided reliable operation during over 3 yr of use in a pulsed mode at high power levels.