Tunable single-mode laser operation of chromium-doped KZnF/sub 3/ and Gd/sub 3/(Ga,Sc)/sub 2/Ga/sub 3/O/sub 12/

The chromium-doped solid-state laser materials KZnF/sub 3/ and Gd/sub 3/(Ga,Sc)/sub 2/Ga/sub 3/O/sub 12/ are investigated with respect to applications in single-frequency lasers. Both materials revealed essential differences in laser performance, although they are almost identical in their spectroscopic properties. The different laser behavior is explained by differences in their thermophysical properties. The laser-relevant thermophysical properties are investigated, focusing on their influence on thermally induced lensing and birefringence. >