New Mid-Infrared (IR) Laser Materials

A new low photon energy host, which is much more stable than the lanthanidetrichlorides is of current interest for direct mid-infrared rate earth lasers thatoperate at room temperature. Applications are in pollution control, ground vehicleprotection, spectroscopy, remote sensing, countermeasures and imaging. Crystalscurrently grown by the Bridgman method in sealed silica ampoules are not widelyavailable. Growth of crystals heavily doped with Er3+ of interest to this program stillrequires process improvement and advancement in materials chemistry. SensArraywill develop the Czochralski method for growth of KPb2Cl5 from a stoichiometric melt withemphasis on Er3+ doping. A system of demountable fused silica furnaces and supporting purificationequipment to facilitate processing in a chlorinating atmosphere will be developed toprevent oxidation and hydrolysis. The process and equipment will be suited to scale-upand transition to commercialization. Development of a crystal growth process that will lead to higher qualitymaterials than one currently available.