Ho:Tm:Lu(3)Al(5)O(12) As An Infrared-Laser Material

Material selected on basis of quantum-mechanical modeling of lasing properties. Ho:Tm:Lu(3)Al(5)O(12) features relatively low thermal occupation of lower laser level because this level higher than corresponding levels of most other available laser materials. In addition, it has reasonably large effective cross section for stimulated emission because of contribution of several transitions around central strong transition. Yet another desirable property is its calculated rate of upconversion is lower than those of other laser materials. Inasmuch as upconversion detracts from efficiency of laser, this lower rate of upconversion is highly desirable.