Self-sum- and -difference-frequency mixing in GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4):Nd(3+) for generation of tunable ultraviolet and infrared radiation

We exploited Nd(3+) laser emission at 1061.9 nm ((4)F(3/2)?(4)I(11/2) channel) in a self-chi((2)) active GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4):Nd(3+) laser crystal. UV radiation was obtained from a 1.8% yield from self-sum-frequency mixing: 1/pump + 1/1061.9 = 1/UV, during pumping in the Nd(3+) (4)G(5/2)-(2)G(7/2) levels near 588 nm. The UV tunability had a range of 378-382 nm. We have demonstrated, for the first time to our knowledge, generation of coherent IR radiation from a self-difference-frequency mixing laser: 1/pump - 1/1061.9 = 1/IR. We got a 0.5% yield and tunability in the 1305-1365-nm range.     

Growth,spectroscopic and laser properties of Yb<Superscript>3<Emphasis Type="Bold">+</Emphasis></Superscript>-doped GdAl<Subscript>3</Subscript>(BO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript> crystal: a candidate for infrared laser crystal

Yb³⁺:GdAl₃(BO₃)₄ (hereafter Yb³⁺:GAB) crystals with large sizes and good optical quality have been grown by the top-seed solution growth (TSSG) method. The polarized absorption and emission spectra have been investigated at room temperature. For the σ-polarization, the intensities of both absorption and emission spectra are stronger than those for the π-polarization, the σ-absorption cross section of Yb³⁺ in GAB being 3.43×10^-20 cm² at 977 nm, and the σ-emission cross section being 0.98×10^-20 cm² at 1045 nm. The fluorescence lifetime of the ² F _5/2→² F _7/2 transition was measured to be 800 μs in the 5% doped sample used for our laser experiments, 993 μs in a 10% doped sample and 569 μs in a 0.5% doped sample. The laser parameters were estimated as: β_min=0.022, I_sat=10.4 kW/cm² and I_min=0.23 kW/cm². About 0.4 W laseroutput at the wavelength of 1043 nm was achieved when the Yb³⁺:GAB crystal was pumped by a 974 nm laser diode, with 27.4% slope efficiency. PACS 42.55.-f; 42.70.Hj; 78.20.-e; 81.10.Dn     

Spectroscopic properties of Yb3+-doped Y3Al5O12 nano-ceramics obtained under different sintering pressures

Yb³⁺:YAG nano-ceramics have been obtained by a low temperature/high pressure sintering process. Structural properties have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Grain sizes and R.M.S micro-strains have been calculated based on the XRD patterns by Rietveld analysis method. Emission spectra and decay curves have been recorded and analyzed. It has been observed that the decay time decreases with the increase of sintering pressure. Presence of Yb³⁺–Yb³⁺ pairs have been detected by cooperative emission spectroscopy.     

High-power laser with Nd:YAG single-crystal fiber grown by the micro-pulling-down technique

We present optical characterization and laser results achieved with single-crystal fibers directly grown by the micro-pulling-down technique. We investigate the spectroscopic and optical quality of the fiber, and we present the first laser results. We achieved a cw laser power of 10 W at 1064 nm for an incident pump power of 60 W at 808 nm and 360 kW peak power for 12 ns pulses at 1 kHz in the Q-switched regime. It is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest laser power ever achieved with directly grown single-crystal fibers.     

A Hierarchy of Models for Two-Phase Flows

Summary. We derive a hierarchy of models for gas-liquid two-phase flows in the limit of infinite density ratio, when the liquid is assumed to be incompressible. The starting model is a system of nonconservative conservation laws with relaxation. At first order in the density ratio, we get a simplified system with viscosity, while at the limit we obtain a system of two conservation laws, the system of pressureless gases with constraint and undetermined pressure. Formal properties of this constraint model are provided, and sticky blocks solutions are introduced. We propose numerical methods for this last model, and the results are compared with the two previous models. Received April 20, 2000; accepted September 12, 2000 %%Online publication November 15, 2000 Communicated by G&eacute;rard Iooss     

The dual Least Action Problem for an ideal,incompressible fluid

Communicated by J. M. Ball     

Optical spectra and luminescence dynamics of Pr3+ and Nd3+ in SrLaAlO4 single crystals

Single crystals of SrLaAlO₄: Pr³⁺ and SrLaAlO₄: Nd³⁺ have been grown by the Czochralski method and their optical properties have been studied for different activator concentrations. The absorption and emission spectra of the activators are inhomogeneously broadened because the Sr²⁺ and La³⁺ ions are distributed randomly on the sites ofC ₄ symmetry, however, the symmetry selection rules are still obeyed. Strong self-quenching of the praseodymium luminescence occurs by cross relaxation which is supposed to be assisted by phonon emission in the case of the³ P ₀ level. Self-quenching of Nd³⁺ luminescence disappears at low temperature indicating that the condition of resonance in the cross-relaxation process is fulfilled only for higher components of the ground state.Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland