Development and characterization of novel Fe2+:ZnSexS1-x solid solution laser ceramics for mid-infrared laser application

In this study, Fe 2+ :ZnSe x S 1-x (0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution laser ceramics with cubic crystal structures were prepared for the first time via hot pressing sintering, using FeSe, ZnSe, and ZnS powders. The resulting ceramics exhibit a unique combination of the optical and physical properties of Fe 2+ :ZnSe and Fe 2+ :ZnS. An increase in the ZnS content led to a blueshift in the maximum absorption spectra of Fe 2+ ions and an enhancement in Vickers hardness. These findings suggest that Fe 2+ :ZnSe x S 1-x solid solution ceramics could serve as promising gain media for mid-infrared solid-state lasers, offering a novel approach for the development of directly pumped mid-infrared laser systems.