AGGREGATE COLOR-CENTERS INFLUENCE ON THE DYNAMICS OF LIF(F-2-]F-2(-CENTERS PHOTOCONVERSION()) LASER OPERATION AND THE MECHANISM OF COLOR)

The effects of aggregate color centers on the operation conditions of LiF(F-2 --> F-2(+)) lasers which use a two-step photoionization techni que have been studied. High F-3(+) centers concentration compared with those of F-2 centers and low concentration of F-3, N are necessary fo r long-time stable room-temperature operation of the laser. The possib le mechanisms of photoconversion processes which take place in nonopti mized (Type I) and optimized (Type II) LiF crystals for long-time stab le room-temperature F-2(+) lasting have been proposed. (C) 1997 Elsevi er Science Ltd.