Application of non-radiative energy transfer from Tb3+to Nd3+for pumping a 6 m solid-state laser

It has been shown that the sensitization scheme involving non-radiative energy transfer from Tb3+ to Nd3+ in selenide glass is suitable for pumping a mid-infrared Nd3+ ion laser. Stimulated emission corresponding to a novel laser transition 4I11/2-4I9/2 of Nd3+ ions was demonstrated at liquid nitrogen temperature. Using an intracavity CaF2 prism, the laser was tunable from 5.56 to 6.01 mu m. Output energy up to 16 mJ has been obtained.