Pump-probe measurements and modeling of U/sup 4+/ in calcium fluoride as a passive Q-switch for the Er:Yb:glass laser

Summary form only given. Several groups of investigators have used U/sup 4+/:CaF/sub 2/ as a passive Q-switch in Er:Yb glass systems. In order to properly interpret their results, and to assist in predicting optimum design for such devices, we have used pump-probe measurements to investigate excited state absorption of U/sup 4+/:CaF/sub 2/ near 1.54 /spl mu/m.