NV$^{-}$ Diamond Laser

TL;DR

This paper reports the first demonstration of lasing at NV$^{-}$ centers in diamond using pulsed optical pumping, revealing lasing conditions and gain saturation effects in the process.

Contribution

It introduces the first experimental realization of NV$^{-}$ laser action in diamond and analyzes the gain saturation mechanisms under high-power pulsed excitation.

Findings

Lasing achieved at 720 nm with 10 nJ pulse energy.

Lasing conditions and gain saturation effects characterized.

Lasing demonstrated with nanosecond pulsed excitation.

Abstract

For the first time, lasing at NV$^{-}$ centers in an optically pumped diamond sample is achieved. A nanosecond train of 150-ps 532-nm laser pulses was used to pump the sample. The lasing pulses have central wavelength at 720 nm with a spectrum width of 20 nm, 1-ns duration and total energy around 10 nJ. In a pump-probe scheme, we investigate lasing conditions and gain saturation due to NV$^{-}$ ionization and NV$^{0}$ concentration growth under high-power laser pulse pumping of diamond crystal.