ACHIEVEMENTS OF MODERN CRYSTAL-LASER PHYSICS

This review summarizes the current understanding of the physics of crystalline laser materials. After a brief historical overview, the host crystals and activator ions are examined. This information is organized both by host crystal and by activator ion in order to show the relationships of laser action to host and activator properties. Particular attention is placed on the latest results in the search for new rare-earth and transition-metal activator ions and on the role of crystal-field disorder in the optical properties of Ln3+ ions in insulating laser crystals. The research on crystalline laser hosts for obtaining stimulated emission from Ln3+ activator ions at new wavelengths is also summarized.