Q-switching of an alexandrite laser by (F2+ )A color centers in NaF

Investigations were made of the characteristics of (F₂⁺ )_A color centers in NaF and of the spectral and lasing properties of an alexandrite laser Q-switched by centers of this type. When a Lyot filter and a switch having an initial transmission of ~70% were used in this laser resonator, pulses of 80–100 nsec duration with a spectral width of ~0.1 cm^–1 and a tuning range of 0.73–0.783 μ were obtained under pulse-periodic conditions (12.5 Hz).