Synthesis and growth of materials for solid state lasers: Nd:YLF and Nd:LLW single crystal fibers

• Published in: Journal of crystal growth Vol. 317; no. 1; pp. 4 - 7
• Main Authors: Baldochi, S.L., Silva, F.R., de Moraes, J.R., Jakutis, J., Wetter, N.U., Santo, A.M.E.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.02.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A2. Micro pulling-down fiber growth; B1. Fluorides; B1. Tungstates; B3. Solid state lasers; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crystal growth; Dopants; Exact sciences and technology; Fibers; Gain; Lasers; Materials science; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Optical fibers; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optical properties of bulk materials and thin films; Physics; Single crystals; Solid state lasers; Synthesis; Theory and models of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth, crystal morphology and orientation; B1. Tungstates; B3. Solid state lasers; B1. Fluorides; A2. Micro pulling-down fiber growth; Crystal growth; Neodymium; Lithium fluoride; Tungstates; Crystal perfection; Fibers; Yttrium fluoride; Monocrystals; Optical properties; Growth mechanism; Optical materials
• ISSN: 0022-0248; 1873-5002
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2010.11.026

Despite new developments for compact laser devices, the neodymium ion (Nd 3+), continues to be the most widely used active laser ion. In this article, the growth of Nd:LiYF 4 (Nd:YLF) and Nd:LiLa(WO 4) 2 (Nd:LLW) single crystal fibers growth is reported considering their use as laser media. Homogeneous and good optical quality single crystals fibers of both materials were obtained. Additionally, structural and optical characterizations were performed on Nd:LLW single fibers. The dependence of the atmosphere on Nd:YLF fibers growth were also studied. Dopant distribution was measured along the fibers. Loss and gain tests were performed on the fluoride single crystal fiber to prove that laser action is achievable.