Abstract: A method can include milling a powder with a test grinding media, and determining an amount of abraded grinding media that abrades from the test grinding media into the powder due to the milling of the powder. The method can include creating a compensated powder to account for the amount of the abraded grinding media such that the powder milling process results in a desired powder composition.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical source for calibrating an optical system is provided. The method includes determining a form factor for an optical source based on a point of detection of an optical system corresponding to a region where an optical signal of the optical system interacts with a sample. The method also includes providing an envelope in a size and shape to fit the form factor. The method also includes providing a plurality of electrodes connected to the envelope for connection to a power source and filling the envelope with a gas. The optical source formed from the above method is also provided.

Abstract: A solid-state laser amplifier includes a core material providing an active gain medium. A cladding material is on the core material that is the same material as the core material that further comprises a broadband absorber material. The cladding material suppresses transverse oscillations in solid-state, single-crystal or ceramic laser amplifiers by employing a native-material, solid-state, index-matched cladding containing an appropriate broadband absorber.

Abstract: A solid-state laser amplifier includes a core material providing an active gain medium. A cladding material is on the core material that is the same material as the core material that further comprises a broadband absorber material. The cladding material suppresses transverse oscillations in solid-state, single-crystal or ceramic laser amplifiers by employing a native-material, solid-state, index-matched cladding containing an appropriate broadband absorber.

Abstract: A crystalline material for optically pumped solid state lasers has the chemical composition of M3RE1-x Ybx(BO3)3, where M is selected from the group Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Ra, optionally replaced at least partially with another element from this group, RE is selected from the group Sc, Y, Lu, and Y partially replaced with Lu, and x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. The material is useful for preparing lasers having high average initial power and short pulse duration, and has flat amplification and fluorescence spectra, high thermal conductivity and a large emission cross-section.

Abstract: A crystalline material for optically pumped solid state lasers has the chemical composition of M3RE1−xYbx(BO3)3, where M is selected from the group Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Ra, optionally replaced at least partially with another element from this group, RE is selected from the group Sc, Y, Lu, and Y partially replaced with Lu, and x is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1. The material is useful for preparing lasers having high average initial power and short pulse duration, and has flat amplification and fluorescence spectra, high thermal conductivity and a large emission cross-section.