Physics of Laser Crystals (Nato Science Series II: (closed))

The book explores the boundaries of laser crystal physics as it is routinely developed. This exploration may sometimes appear exotic but it often reveals promising fields for the future. The emphasis is on the relation between crystallographic structure and properties, high energy solid state lasers, optical behaviour of thin films, radiation and lattice defects in changing the ion oxidation state, as well as new theoretical approaches to potential laser materials. Further topics are the more classical aspects of optical spectroscopy of the rare earth ions and technological aspects of laser radiation. Various luminescent and phosphorescent mechanisms arising in inorganic crystalline and non-crystalline materials are featured.