Ribbon and sheet miniature crystal laser

Abstract

New types of miniature solid-state lasers with active elements in the form of micron-thick single-crystal ribbons and sheets activated with lanthanide and transition-metal ions are proposed. It is reported that the first crystal used for this purpose was orthorhombic KY(MoO4)2:Nd3+, lasing at room temperature as a result of the 4E3/2 → 4I11/2 transition when pumped with flashlamps or with lasers.