Infrared laser characteristics of praseodymium-doped lanthanum trichloride

We report new laser channels for the rare earth praseodymium. Laser emissions at 1.6 and 5.2 /spl mu/m were studied using a 2.0 /spl mu/m Tm:YAG laser to pump the /sup 3/F/sub 2/ level in Pr/sup 3+/:LaCl/sub 3/. Efficient 5 /spl mu/m operation was demonstrated at 130 K. Temperature dependence of the 5 /spl mu/m laser threshold was determined in the range from 130 to 250 K. The complex dynamics and potential utility of these new rare earth lasers are discussed.<
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