Characteristics of Alexandrite Lasers In Q-Switched And Tuned Operations

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Abstract
Alexandrite is a laser crystal which is unique in that it is broadly tunable, is four-level, and has a long storage time making Q-switched operation possible. In addition the crystal is surpassed only by ruby in desirable strength and thermal properties of all practical laser crystals. A simple four-level model that describes the laser operation in alexandrite is presented. The terminal laser level in this model is a set of vibrational states well above the ground state. The initial laser level is a level 800 cm-1 above a long-lived storage level and in thermal equilibrium with it. Experimental results of Q-switched operation and tuned long pulse operation are presented, both as a function of temperature. In Q-switched operation, pulsewidths from 70 ns to 300 ns have been measured and laser efficiency increases with temperature. In tuned operation, the increase in gain with temperature is accompanied by a shift of the tuning curve to the red. Both observations are consistent with the simple model. Some laser design parameters are discussed.

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