Investigation of some properties of KRS crystals in the λ = 10 μ range

The most important optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of KRS (TlBr-TlI and TlBr-TlCl) single crystals were determined. A method for measuring the linear absorption coefficient a and optical strength of these crystals was developed. Typical room-temperature values of a were in the range (6–10)X10^–3 cm^–1. The thresholds of the surface and bulk damage under the action of cw and pulse CO₂ laser radiation were determined. The results indicated that thallium halides were promising materials for laser technology in the λ = 10 μ range.