Potential of crystals with a nonuniform doping profile for a Fe2+:ZnSe laser

Special nonuniform doping profiles are proposed for Fe2+:ZnSe crystals, which can increase the output energy of Fe2+:ZnSe lasers in comparison with those based on active elements with a uniform distribution of the doping agent. We present the simulation results for thermoelastic stresses and distortions of the optical density that arise in a Fe2+:ZnSe crystal during pulsed pumping, with the Fe distribution profile in the ZnSe crystal being nonuniform both along the optical axis and in the transverse direction. It is shown that the proposed doping profile provides a reduction in the thermo-optical distortions along the optical axis as well as suppression of parasitic lasing in the transverse direction.