Dyelike lasers for the 0.9-2-mu m region using F-2(+) centers in alkali halides

Optically pumped, cw laser action with F-2(+) centers in the alkali halides is reported. With the host NaF, the laser was continuously tunable over the range 0.885 less than or similar to lambda less than or similar to 1.00 mu m, and pump power near threshold was similar to 40 mW at band center. The required high density of F-2(+) centers was created by a simple process involving radiation damage by a 1-MeV e(-) beam. With the F-2(+) in other hosts as well, it should be possible to cover the entire range, 0.9 less than or similar to lambda less than or similar to 2 mu m.