POWRE: Evaluation of AgGaS2 and AgGaSe2 as Laser Active Materials

该项目的目标是识别三元黄铜矿中的点缺陷和杂质，如AgGaS 2和AgGaSe 2。这些材料是在中红外（2-20 μ m）光谱范围内用于激光辐射频率上转换或下转换的有希望的非线性光学（NLO）晶体。该方法是基于使用电子顺磁共振（EPR）光谱。重点是掺杂Cr的晶体，目的是使激光活性介质适用于中红外。目前服务于这个范围的激光器需要仔细的晶体对准，并有其他敏感的操作要求。预期掺杂的黄铜矿基激光器操作相对简单。这种系统对于各种分子种类的科学研究以及对于需要大气透明度的商业或军事应用是重要的。这是根据研究和教育领域女性专业机会（POWRE）方案提供的研究增强补助金。这项研究将有助于了解和开发用于先进技术应用的光子材料的基本材料科学知识。该跨学科项目涉及物理学和材料科学的合作，并强调通过将研究生和本科生参与与课堂活动相关的研究来整合研究和教育。该项目由材料研究部和MPS OMA（多学科活动办公室）共同支持。***

The goal of this project is to identify point defects and impurities in ternary chalcopyrites such as AgGaS2 and AgGaSe2. These materials are promising nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals for laser radiation frequency up- or down- conversion in the middle infrared (2-20 um) spectral region. The approach is based on the use of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The focus is on crystals doped with Cr for the purpose of making a laser active medium suitable for the mid-IR. The lasers that presently serve this range demand careful crystal alignment and have other sensitive operation requirements. The doped chalcopyrite-based lasers are expected to be comparatively simple to operate. Such systems are important for scientific studies of a variety of molecular species and for commercial or military applications requiring atmospheric transparency. %%% This is a research enhancement grant made under the Professional Opportunities for Women in Research and Education (POWRE) program. The research will contribute basic materials science knowledge relevant to the understanding and development of photonic materials for advanced technological applications. The interdisciplinary project involves collaborations across physics and materials science, and also places emphasis on the integration of research and education by incorporating graduate and undergraduate student participation into research related to classroom activities. The project is co-supported by the Division of Materials Research, and the MPS OMA(Office of Multidisciplinary Activities). ***