Optical Studies of Solid State Laser Materials

New and improved solid state laser materials are required for NASA projects. Spectroscopic studies of rare-earth-doped crystals focus on determination of basic properties of these materials and analysis of local atomic-scale crystal structure surrounding so-called point defects and impurities. Defects play a significant role in the optical properties of laser crystals even when they are present at extremely low concentrations; they affect energy efficiency and an catalyze photoinduced degradation of a laser's output during operation.

• Five publications in the Physical Review, J. Optical Soc. Amer., J. Phys. Condensed Matter
• Additional funding for this research arranged through Scientific Materials, Inc. a local laser materials company
• Collaboration with Scientific Materials, Inc. on successful NASA SBIR proposal
• Collaborations with NASA Langley in progress

Contact Information

Mail:	Dr. Rufus Cone
	Department of Physics
	Montana State University
	Bozeman, MT 59717