Laser properties of coactivated YAP: Nd free of colour centres

Abstract

YAP:Nd, Cr grown under Ar-H2 or Ar-He-H2 atmosphere possesses good energy transfer from Cr3+ to Nd3+ but suffers from the colour centre formation. The centre formation was completely prevented using further admixture of Ce3+ and 10−4−10−3 wt. % Fe. Small luminescence quenching of Cr3+ or Nd3+ due to iron ions is negligible in the presence of Ce3+. The crystals may be also heavily doped with Nd3+ because the increased pumping efficiency compensates the shortening of the luminescence lifetime. YAP: Nd, Ce, Cr, Fe is advisible active laser material particularly for all the types of pulsed lasers.