Optical processes in tunable transition-metal-ion lasers

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Abstract
The announcement of efficient room-temperature operation and broadband tunability of a solid-state laser based upon Cr3 +-doped alexandrite (BeAl2O4) as a gain medium led to a strong revival of research interest in vibronic laser systems involving the 3d″ ttansition-metal ions. This review outlines the underlying physics of such electronic centres in crystals. A simple account is presented of the crystal field theory of 3d″ ions and of the broadening of their optical spectra by the electron-phonon interaction. The optical absorption/ernission spectra of specific transition-metal ions (the configurations 3d1, 3d3, 3d7 and 3d8) are described and a brief discussion of their laser action in various ionic crystals presented.