Tunable laser utilizing an LiF crystal with F2 color centers and an improved service life

A study was made of the design and construction of an LiF crystal laser with F₂ color centers and a long service life. The processes of phototransformation of F₂⁺and F₂^– color centers to the neutral state were used. Active LiF:F₂ elements with low lasing thresholds of < 0.01 J/cm² were constructed. A study was made of the kinetics of the lasing of F₂ color centers in LiF. The twostage nature of the process of photoionization of the F₂ color centers in LiF was observed under the influence of 0.53-μ pump radiation. A laser tunable in the 0.65–0.74-μ range with an LiF:F₂ crystal and a 4% efficiency was constructed; its emission line width was < 2 cm^–1 and it was capable of emitting 10⁴–10⁵ pulses in one lasing channel during its service life.