Tunable laser crystal host systems

The development of tunable-laser-crystal-host systems is considered. The selection of the proper host for an active-ion-tunable-laser system depends on: (1) which active ion is utilized, (2) the operation mode of the laser, and (3) the desired wavelength range of operation. Potential crystalline hosts for Ce(3+) such as Y and La, are evaluated; it is observed that the host crystal must have only one matching substitute site, and the same size, charge, and symmetry as the substituting ion. The formation of lasers with Cr(3+) and a fluoride host is discussed. Shifts in absorption spectra of Ce(3+) with different host crystals are analyzed. The use of Ti(3+)-doped crystals for tunable lasers is proposed.