Highly efficient continuous-wave laser operation of laser diode-pumped Nd,Y:CaF2 crystals

Abstract

The effect of co-doping Y 3 and the doping concentration of Nd 3 on the spectroscopic properties and laser performance of Nd:CaF 2 crystals are investigated systematically. For a 0.5% Nd:CaF 2 crystal, the emission lifetime at 1.06 m increases from 18 to 361 s by co-doping 10 at.% Y 3 , while the emission cross section increases to 4.27 10 -20 cm 2 at 1054 nm. With a 10 at.% doping concentration of Y 3 , Nd; Y:CaF 2 crystals concentrate emission bands that peak at 1054 nm with shoulders at 1063 nm, and FWHM at about 30 nm. A diode-pumped, highly efficient laser operation is obtained with 0.5% Nd, 10% Y:CaF 2 and 0.6% Nd, 10% Y:CaF 2 crystals, with slope efficiencies over 30% and 27%, respectively, and a maximum output power up to 901 mW.