A Review of Cr2+ or Fe2+ Ion-Doped Zinc Sulfide and Zinc Selenide Ceramics as IR Laser Active Media

Abstract

Zinc chalcogenides doped with Cr2+ or Fe2+ ions are of considerable interest as active media for IR lasers operating in the 2–5 µm wavelength range. Such lasers are in demand in various fields of medicine, remote sensing and atmospheric monitoring, ranging, optical communication systems, and military applications. In recent years, however, the rate of improvement in the characteristics of zinc chalcogenide laser sources has slowed considerably. Unwanted thermally induced effects, parasitic oscillations, and laser-induced damage of the active element have hindered the scaling of output power and efficiency. However, the physical and chemical properties of the materials leave ample room for further improvements. In particular, the control of the dopant concentration profile in the active element is of great importance. Zero concentration of Cr2+ or Fe2+ ions on the radiation input/output surfaces can significantly increase the laser-induced damage threshold; the designed concentration distribution in the element volume allows regulation of heat dissipation and reduction of parasitic oscillations. The zinc chalcogenide ceramic technology seems to be the most suitable to solve this challenge. This review presents and discusses the state of the art in ZnS and ZnSe optical and laser ceramics and the directions for further development of their technology.

Modern trends in the creation of luminescent silicate ceramic and glass materials for industry and technology

“…Luminescent ceramics are characterized by higher efficiency and long-term stability, as they allow working at temperatures much higher than for luminescent materials based on polymers, which have serious limitations due to their thermal instability at temperatures already below 473 К. Luminescent ceramics have high mechanical strength, wear resistance, water resistance, weather resistance, light resistance and luminescent characteristics; energy absorption and storage of light can provide increased luminescence time for more than 15 hours, and the luminescent characteristics can be maintained for a long time [7].…”