Crystal-Field Engineering of Transition Metal Doped Chalcogenide Laser Materials

Uwe Hömmerich, Hampton University, DMR-0301951

Luminescent Materials Development for the 3-5 µm spectral region Luminescent Materials Development for the 3-5 µm spectral region based on Cobased on Co2+2+ doped binary and ternary II-VI materials. doped binary and ternary II-VI materials.

The IR optical properties of Co2+ doped II-VI materials were investigated for applications in optoelectronics and lasers. Mid-IR emission bands in the 3-5 µm region were observed from several Co2+ doped binary and ternary II-VI semiconductors at room temperature. The 3-5 m range is of great interest for remote sensing of atmospheric constituents (e.g. CO2) and pollutants, bio-chemical detection, and IR countermeasures. The peak position of the mid-IR emission from Co2+ was compositional “tuned” through changes in the host material. The spectral changes reflect on the crystal-field strength experienced by Co2+ ions in II-VI hosts.

IR Absorption Mid-IR Emission

Crystal-Field Engineering of Transition Metal Doped Chalcogenide Laser Materials

Uwe Hömmerich, Hampton University, DMR-0301951

EDUCATION & OUTREACH:Graduate Level:Ivy Krystal Jones(Physics, M.S. program)Peter Amedzake(Physics, Ph.D. program)

Undergraduate Level:Gigi Frey(Biology, sophomore)Natasha Ferguson (Chemistry, sophomore)Howard Brown(Computer Science, junior)(Thomas Nelson Community College)

Ivy K. Jones(physics grad. student, M.S.)Ivy continued her studieson the diffusion doping and optical spectroscopy of Cr doped II-VI materials. Ivy presented her research at the 2005 MRS spring meeting and 2005 APS meeting. In addition, Ivy gave a presentation at the 2005 National Conference of Black Physics Students.

IR Laser Materials DevelopmentGroup at H.U.A program in education and research training in IR laser materials development is being offered at H.U. The training includes the material synthesis, optical spectroscopy, modeling, and laser performance testing. Recent project activities will be presented at the 2005 Summer Meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Outreach activities include mentoring in summer programs and science demos for students from local high schools.

From left: EiEi Nyein, P. Amedzake. I.K. Jones, U. Hommerich