Improvement of infrared laser properties of Nd:CaF_2 crystals via codoping with Y^3+ and Lu^3+ buffer ions

Abstract

We demonstrate that codoping Nd:CaF2 single crystals with Y3+ and Lu3+ nonoptically active ions significantly improves their absorption, emission, and fluorescence lifetime properties and their laser performance. The spectral profiles get smoother and wider, wider than that found with standard Nd:glasses; the quantum yields increase; and efficient laser operation is obtained around 1.055 μm.