Crystal growth and spectral properties of Nd 3+:KY(WO 4) 2 crystal

Abstract

A large crystal of Nd 3+:KY(WO 4) 2 with dimensions up to 60×56×22 mm 3 was grown from a K 2WO 4–KF mixed flux by the top-seeded solution growth method. The absorption and emission spectra of Nd 3+:KY(WO 4) 2 crystal were investigated. The absorption and emission cross sections are 5.8×10 −20 cm 2 at 812 nm and 5.39×10 −20 cm 2 at 1058 nm, respectively. Based on Judd–Ofelt theory, the spectral parameters have been calculated. The intensity parameters Ω λ are: Ω 2=8.801×10 −20 cm 2, Ω 4=3.111×10 −20 cm 2, Ω 6=3.164×10 −20 cm 2, and the calculated fluorescence branching ratios are: β 1(0.88 μm)=0.429, β 2(1.06 μm)=0.476, β 3(1.32 μm)=0.0896, β 4(1.45 μm)=0.004. The radiative lifetime is 196 μs, the fluorescence lifetime is 154 μs and the quantum efficiency is 78.6%.