Optical amplification characteristics of Cr:LiSAF and Cr:LiCAF under flashlamp-pumping

Small-signal gain measurements of flashlamp-pumped Cr-doped LiSAF and LiCAF are summarized for a range of material parameters. Flashlamp pumping allows efficient energy storage for both materials in the order 1.6 to 2.6% of the electrical pump energy. Small-signal gain values of up to 0.16 cm/sup -1/ are measured for Cr:LiSAF and 0.09 cm/sup -1/ for Cr:LiCAF. The gain of both materials is found to be affected by excited state absorption and upconversion. In addition the implications of these results for the design of laser/amplifier systems are discussed.<
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