Dielectric binary oxide films as waveguide laser media: a review

Abstract

Sapphire (α-Al₂O₃), amorphous and polycrystalline Al₂O₃, tantalum pentoxide Ta₂O₅ and the sesquioxides Y₂O₃, Sc₂O₃, and Lu₂O₃ are excellent laser hosts due to their very good thermomechanical properties, broad transparency range and ease of doping with active ions. This article reviews recent research towards the realization of active optical films and the demonstration of gain and laser operation in the waveguides produced from these materials. Compound structures in which laser operation has been demonstrated are highlighted together with the applied fabrication techniques, and details of the laser performance are presented.

Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter (2008) Vol.20(26) pp.264011

doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/20/26/264011

Publisher′s URL: http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0953-8984/20/26/264011

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