PROGRESS IN THE CRYSTAL-GROWTH OF CE-COLQUIRIITES

The search for an efficient solid-state laser with tunable emission in the ultraviolet wavelength region has resulted in the growth and deve lopment of cerium-doped colquiriite crystals, such as LiCaAlF6 (LiCAF) and LiSrAlF6 (LiSAF). Unfortunately, the doping of LiSAF and LiCAF wi th Ce3+ introduces different variables into the growth of high optical quality crystals, due to the charge imbalance induced when this triva lent ion substitutes for the divalent site. Charge compensation with N a+ tends to produce a more uniformly doped crystal with improved laser properties. Although preliminary research indicated that Ce : LiSAF m ay be the preferred material of the colquiriite hosts, Ce : LiCAF has also proved to be quite promising.