Absorption, emission spectrum properties, and efficient laser performances of Yb:Y3ScAl4O12 ceramics

Abstract

We report on the continuous-wave laser performances of Yb3+-doped disordered Y3Al5O12∕Y3Sc2Al4O12(YAG∕YSAG) ceramics fabricated by sintering method. These materials exhibit relatively low minimum pump intensity (Imin) and broad emission bandwidth even in the yttrium aluminum garnet systems. The value of Imin in the Yb:Y3ScAl4O12 ceramics was found to be 2∕3 compared with the Yb:YAG single crystal under 970nm zero-line pumping. Efficient laser oscillation of 72% slope efficiency was obtained for input pump power. These materials attract great interest for high power femtosecond microchip lasers and amplifier applications.