Crystal growth, polarized spectra, and laser performance of Yb:CaGdAlO4 crystal

Abstract

In this paper, the crystal growth, polarized spectra, and laser performance of Yb:CaGdAlO4 crystal were reported. The segregation coefficient of Yb3+ ions was calculated to be 0.47. The cell parameters were determined to be a = b = 0.3658 nm, c = 1.1985 nm. The peak absorption cross-section was calculated to be 2.65 × 10−20 cm2 at 979 nm and the peak stimulated emission cross-section was 2.23 × 10−20 cm2 at 980 nm for the π polarization. The continuous-wave (CW) laser operations of uncoated Yb:CaGdAlO4 crystals with 5 × 5 × 3 mm3 in size were demonstrated. A maximum output power of 1.6 W at 1048 nm was obtained with a slope efficiency of 28%. The results show that Yb:CaGdAlO4 crystal is a promising laser medium.