LiYF4 (YLF) single crystals doped with rare-earth elements

E. Kowalczyk; Z. Kowalczyk; K. Grasza; M. Gala; Tadeusz Lukasiewicz

doi:10.1117/12.224989

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16 October 1995 LiYF4 (YLF) single crystals doped with rare-earth elements

E. Kowalczyk; Z. Kowalczyk; K. Grasza; M. Gala; Tadeusz Lukasiewicz

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Proceedings Volume 2373, Solid State Crystals: Materials Science and Applications; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.224989
Event: Solid State Crystals: Materials Science and Applications, 1994, Zakopane, Poland

Abstract

LiYF₄ (YLF) is a very promising host material for lasers. Investigation of the spectroscopic and physical properties of YLF:Nd has suggested that this material may be a better candidate than Nd:YAG for generating short pulses with high peak power. This is a distinct advantage for many applications. Stimulated emission is attained at 1053 nm and 1047 nm. Also upconservation laser action in YLF and YLF:Er crystals is reported. More recently YLF doped with rare-earth elements has gained some attention. Pulsed room-temperature laser action at 2.06 micrometer has been achieved using YLF:Ho sensitized with Er and Tm. Using YLF:Pr blue light emission at 479 nm at room temperature was observed. Growth experiments of YLF:Nd crystals were carried by the Bridgman method. A vacuum furnace with cylindrical molybdenum heater and graphite crucible have been used. The temperature gradient of 25 degrees Celsius/cm has been achieved by using a stainless steel liner in the lower part of the furnace. The growth was performed in a nitrogen atmosphere. First crystals of YLF:Nd have been obtained.

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E. Kowalczyk, Z. Kowalczyk, K. Grasza, M. Gala, and Tadeusz Lukasiewicz "LiYF4 (YLF) single crystals doped with rare-earth elements", Proc. SPIE 2373, Solid State Crystals: Materials Science and Applications, (16 October 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.224989

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