Nonlinear optical properties of matrix isolated SF6

The properties of a new nonlinear material for the infrared (IR) based on matrix isolated SF
6
are described. Fabrication dependent saturation parameters for the homogeneously broadened KCl:SF
6
composite system range from 20 MW . cm
^-2
to 100 MW . cm
^-2
. Applications of this material to passive mode locking of the CO
2
laser are described.