STIN
Tunable laser for persistent spectral hole burning optical memories
R. L. Cone
Abstract
Abstract : A tunable laser for infrared and visible operation was purchased to expand our work on optical memories based on persistent spectral hole burning. The Coherent 899-21 laser uses Ti:sapphire and dye media to cover the spectral regions required for semiconductor laser operation and for photon-gated memories. A large argon-ion pump laser for use with the tunable laser was purchased with local funds. Searching for new hole burning materials, evaluation of their properties, and studies of the limits on material performance were the goals of our research. Attention was focussed on rare earth or transition metal ion materials. (MM)