Ce/sup 3+/:LiCaAlF/sub 6/ crystals as a solid-state ultraviolet saturable absorber and role of excited state absorption

Using open-aperture Z-scan method and a Q-switch Nd:YAG laser, saturation properties of Ce/sup 3+/:LiCaAlF/sub 6/ crystals at wavelength of 266 nm are studied. Saturable absorption of solid-state materials in ultraviolet region is demonstrated for the first time.