Characterization and comparison of Yb^3+-doped YA1O_3 perovskite crystals (Yb:YAP) with Yb^3+-doped Y_3Al_5O_12 garnet crystals (Yb:YAG) for laser application

Abstract

High-optical-quality single crystals of Yb3+-doped YAlO3 perovskite (Yb3+:YAP) were grown by the Czochralski (CZ) method and characterized. From polarized absorption and emission spectra, assignment of the Yb3+ energy levels was proposed. Yb3+ concentration dependence of experimental decay times allows us to study concentration quenching and suggests both strong radiative and nonradiative energy transfers, from Yb3+ ions to impurities, well described by a limited diffusion model. Yb3+:YAP crystal is a potentially useful polarized laser gain medium in laser-diode-pumped solid-state configurations. 5.7 at. % Yb3+ optimum concentration was deduced by prediction of laser performances. In addition, thermal properties and figure of merit, which is defined from our own model taking into account only spectroscopic data, were also compared with those of Yb3+-doped YAG.