Fluorescent Spectroscopy and Laser Crystal Development Group

Group Leader: Dr. Uwe Hommerich

Motivation:     This research thrust focuses on the development of new gain media for infrared (IR) solid-state lasers.  IR gain media are of great interest for applications in optical communications, optical remote sensing of biological agents, free-space communications, and medical surgery.

Research Objectives:     The objectives of this project are to evaluate new materials for applications as IR solid-state gain media. The materials to be investigated are rare earth doped solids with low maximum phonon energies (e.g. halides, chalcogenides). The  work includes systematic studies on the material synthesis, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, and device performance testing.