Bleaching and Q-switching of U2+:CaF2 AT 1535 nm

Divalent uranium doped CaF2 Q-switch has been tested as a saturable absorbing Q-switch. Laser output at 1535 nm with 10 mJ of energy and a 60 ns pulse width was demonstrated at 8.5 Hz by using U2+:CaF2 as a saturable absorbing Q-switch. The laser media is QE7S and experimental Er:glass, designated QX/ER.