The lasing efficiencies and photochemical stabilities of laser
dyes useful in the 710-1080-nm spectral region have been investigated
using a Q-switched ruby laser pumping source. The measured bleaching
rates P defined as the probability of irreversible decomposition of a dye
molecule per absorbed photon, varied from <= 1 exp-5 to 3 exp-4
for the different dye-solvent combinations investigated. Broad-band
lasing efficiencies (the ratios of dye laser output to ruby radiation
input) ranged from 4 to 43 percent. Shifts of wavelength tuning range
with variations in solvent, dye concentration, and dye laser cavity
geometry are reported
