4C5 - A zero-field maser oscillator

A solid-state zero-field maser oscillator has been experimentally investigated to determine the power, stability, and spectral purity which may be expected in this type of device. The maser operates in a zero-field configuration and uses the ferric ion substituted as an impurity in an aluminum nitrate host crystal. Single-crystal and powder samples were used in the experiments, and a comparison between the sample configuration is given.