Ytterbium-doped phosphate laser glasses

Abstract

Physical, spectral and laser properties of anew Yb<SUP>3+</SUP> doped phosphate laser glass, QX/Yb, has been developed. This glass exhibits a low thermal expansion coefficient and a negative temperature coefficient of refractive index, resulting in an acceptable athermal behavior and an excellent thermal loading capability. The peak absorption and emission cross sections of Yb<SUP>3+</SUP> were measured to be 1.06 X 10<SUP>-20</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP> and 0.903 X 10<SUP>-20</SUP> cm<SUP>2</SUP>, respectively. The concentration quenching and the influence of the OH<SUP>-</SUP> content on fluorescence lifetimes were examined. Excellent laser performance with a slope efficient of 49 percent and a maximum output power of 400 mW was demonstrated.