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We report on the characterization and first laser operation of ceramic Yb:LuScO3 in a thin-disk oscillator. The optical performance achieved with a ceramic Yb:LuScO3 disk is compared to the one obtained with an existing ceramic Yb:Lu2O3 disk for reference. The characterization covers the measurement of the fluorescence spectra, the fluorescence lifetimes, and nomarsky imaging. The investigation on the laser operation covers the measurement of resonator losses, output powers, and thermal behavior during continuous-wave operation in a multimode thin-disk oscillator. An average output power of 149 W and a slope efficiency of 51.8% were achieved with the ceramic Yb:LuScO3 disk which reached a maximum surface temperature of about 150 °C. At the same temperature level, a disk made of the already established ceramic Yb:Lu2O3 delivered 957 W of output power with a slope efficiency of 75.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of high quality x%Pr3+:BaF2 (x = 0.6, 1, 2); (1%Pr3+, 2%Na+):BaF2; (1%Pr3+, y%Ca2+):BaF2 (y = 3, 5) and (0.6%Pr3+, 10%R3+):BaF2 (R = Y, Lu, Gd) crystals were grown by temperature gradient technique (TGT). The Raman spectra, absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay lifetime were measured. XRD patterns indicate that the as-synthesized samples are pure BaF2 phase. The absorption cross-section of Pr3+ ions in the BaF2 matrix can be greatly improved by co-doping R3+ ions, while improvement by Na+ and Ca2+ ions is marginal. The fluorescence characteristic of Pr3+ ions can be effectively regulated by co-doping Na+, Ca2+, R3+ (R = Y, Lu, Gd) ions of different valence states. When R3+ ions are introduced, the fluorescence spectra show the strongest orange emission and the CIE chromaticity coordinates of Pr3+ ions are also in the orange region. When single-doped Pr3+ ions and Na+ or Ca2+ ions are introduced, the fluorescence lifetime of the 3P0 level is double exponential decay, and the short lifetime is the main proportion. However, the fluorescence centers tend to homogeneous and stable by R3+ ions co-doping and the fluorescence lifetime exhibits single-exponential decay, which is fitted to 49.7 μs, 47.8 μs and 49.6 μs of (0.6%Pr3+, 10%R3+):BaF2 (R = Y, Lu, Gd), respectively. All the results show that (Pr3+, Gd3+):BaF2 and (Pr3+, Na+):BaF2 are excellent laser gain media for high-efficiency orange and red laser operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the characterization and first laser operation of ceramic Yb:LuScO3 in a thin-disk oscillator. The optical performance achieved with a ceramic Yb:LuScO3 disk is compared to the one obtained with an existing ceramic Yb:Lu2O3 disk for reference. The characterization covers the measurement of the fluorescence spectra, the fluorescence lifetimes, and nomarsky imaging. The investigation on the laser operation covers the measurement of resonator losses, output powers, and thermal behavior during continuous-wave operation in a multimode thin-disk oscillator. An average output power of 149 W and a slope efficiency of 51.8% were achieved with the ceramic Yb:LuScO3 disk which reached a maximum surface temperature of about 150 °C. At the same temperature level, a disk made of the already established ceramic Yb:Lu2O3 delivered 957 W of output power with a slope efficiency of 75.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho3+, Pr3+ co-doped CaGdAlO 4 (Ho,Pr:CGA) crystal fibers were successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ -PD) technique for the first time. Detailed investigations were conducted on the polarized absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and lifetime decay curves. The 2 at.% Ho, 0.4 at.% Pr:CGA crystal fiber exhibits a broad absorption band at 1147 nm with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 25.5 nm and 64.5 nm for σ and π polarization, respectively. Increasing the concentration of Pr3+ led to a decrease in emission intensity at 2001 nm and an increase in emission intensity at 2861 nm. The FWHMs of the crystal fiber containing 2 at.% Ho and 0.4 at.% Pr:CGA at 2861 nm were 44.5 nm for σ polarization and 24.3 nm for π polarization. Additionally, the lifetime ratio (5I 7 /5I 6) decreases from 25.18 to 2.85 in the crystal fibers containing 2 at.% Ho:CGA and 2 at.% Ho, 0.4 at.% Pr:CGA, respectively. These findings suggest that the presence of deactivated Pr3+ ions can significantly reduce the lifetime gap between the 5I 6 and 5I 7 energy levels, potentially mitigating the self-termination phenomenon on the ∼3 μm emission. • Ho3+, Pr3+ co-doped CaGdAlO 4 single crystal fiber were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ -PD) technique. • The crystal structure, polarized absorption and emission spectra were investigated. • The deactivating effect of different concentration of Pr3+ were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence time of a mixed sesquioxide Nd:LuYO 3 ceramic were measured at room temperature. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to calculate the spectral parameters of Nd:LuYO 3. The absorption cross section at 812 nm was calculated to be 0.99 × 10−20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 47.69 nm. The emission cross-section at 1077 nm was calculated to be 5.24 × 10−20 cm2 with FWHM of 11.62 nm. The fluorescence lifetime and quantum efficiency of the 4F 3/2 multiplet were determined to be 228.4 μs and 85.2%, respectively. Continuous-wave (CW) laser operation of Nd:LuYO 3 ceramic was demonstrated. Simultaneous laser operation at 1075.24 and 1080.03 nm was achieved with maximum output power of 490 mW and slope efficiency of 6.36%. • Nd:LuYO3 ceramic was fabricated by solid-state reaction. • Judd-Ofelt theory was used to analyze the spectroscopic properties of Nd:LuYO 3 ceramic. • CW laser operation was performed and output power of 490 mW at the absorbed power of 9.1 W is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YScO 3 single crystal co-doped with Ho3+ and Pr3+ ions has been successfully grown by the Czochralaki method. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence decay curve were measured at room temperature. The absorption cross section of Ho,Pr:YScO 3 at 649 nm and 1130 nm was calculated to be 0.93 × 10−20 cm2 and 0.32 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory was performed to evaluate the spontaneous emission probabilities and the radiative lifetimes. Ho,Pr:YScO 3 exhibited strong emission at 2040 nm and 2890 nm with a emission cross section of 0.80 × 10−21 cm2 and 1.22 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of the Ho3+:5I 6 and 5I 7 levels were calculated to be 0.31 ms and 5.89 ms, respectively. All the results indicate that the Ho,Pr:YScO 3 crystal could be a potential laser material for 2.9 μm laser operation. • Ho3+,Pr3+ co-doped YScO 3 was grown by the Czochralski method. • The crystal structure, absorption and emission spectra were investigated. • The effect of Pr3+ on the spectroscopic properties of Ho3+ was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped CaYAlO 4 (Tm:CALYO) shaped crystals fibers with various doping concentration of 2 at.%, 3 at.%, 5 at.% and 7 at.% have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ -PD) method. The polarized absorption spectra, polarized fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves were analyzed at room temperature. The absorption bands of 3H 6 →3H 4 transition centered at around 800 nm match well with commercial AlGaAs laser diode pumping sources. For 7 at.% Tm:CALYO crystal fiber, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the emission band for π polarization at 1806 nm was 225.4 nm. The fluorescence of 3F 4 level decreased strongly as the thulium concentration increased. All the results indicate that Tm:CALYO crystal fibers are promising for ultrashort and tunable laser operation. • Tm:CALYO shaped crystal fibers were grown by the micro-pulling-down technique for the first time. • The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the emission band for π polarization at 1806 nm was calculated to be 225.4 nm. • The fluorescence lifetime was calculated to be 4.11, 3.74, 3.55 and 2.90 ms for doping concentration of 2, 3, 5 and 7 at.%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 0.5 at.% Tm:Ca 1-x Y x F 2+x (x = 0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.12) crystals have been successfully grown by the temperature gradient technique (TGT) method. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay curves were measured and analyzed at room temperature. By comparison, it is found that when the concentration of Y3+ ions reaches 8 at.%, the absorption cross section corresponding to the 3H 6 →3H 4 energy level is 2.56 × 10−21 cm2 at 793 nm, which is suitable for GaAlAs LD pumping. The J-O strength parameters Ω 2 , Ω 4 , and Ω 6 were obtained. With the incorporation of Y3+ ions, the value of Ω 4 /Ω 6 gradually increases. When the concentration of Y3+ ions reaches 8 at.%, the emission cross sections are 3.05 × 10−21 cm2 at 1476 nm, 2.56 × 10−21 cm2 at 2378 nm, and the full widths at half maximum (FWHM) are 76 nm and 195 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 level, the upper level of 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm, is 1.05 ms, which is very beneficial for 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm laser. • With the incorporation of Y3+ ions, the value of Ω 4 /Ω 6 gradually increases. • When the concentration of Y3+ ions reaches 8 at.%, the emission cross section is 3.05 × 10−21 cm2 at 1476 nm, 2.56 × 10−21 cm2 at 2378 nm, respectively. • The fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 level, the upper level of 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm, is 1.05 ms, which is very beneficial for 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yb,Tb:YAG crystals with various Yb3+ and Tb3+ concentration were grown by the micro-pulling-down method (μ -PD). The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves of Yb,Tb:YAG crystals were measured at room temperature. Under 980 nm excitation, Yb,Tb:YAG crystals exhibited intense visible up-conversion luminescence due to the cooperative energy transfer from two Yb3+ ions to one Tb3+ ion. Under 485 nm excitation, Yb,Tb:YAG crystals yielded near-infrared down-conversion emission, ascribing to the cooperative absorption of pumping photons and cooperative energy transfer from one Tb3+ ion to two Yb3+ ions. The energy transfer processes from Yb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions were discussed, and the energy transfer efficiency was calculated. Based on studies of the obtained results, Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped YAG crystal shows promising potential for sensing, volumetric displays, optical data storage, light emitting diodes. • Yb,Tb:YAG single crystals grown by the micro-pulling-down technique. • The cooperative energy transfer process was analyzed. • The effect of doped concentration on energy transfer efficiency was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• After co-doping Tb3+ ions, the Ω4/Ω6 increased 1.57 from to 1.66. • The branching ratios of the 3H 4 →3F 4 transition also strengthened. • The decay curve of 3F 4 level doped with different Tb3+ ions concentration decreased. • Tb3+ ion is a productive deactivator that could reduce the filling of 3F 4 mainfold and enhance the emission of 3H 4 →3F 4 transition. Tm3+ and Tb3+ co-doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG) ceramics were fabricated by high temperature solid state reaction under oxygen sintering. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves of Tm,Tb:YAG ceramics were measured. The spectral parameters of Tm,Tb:YAG ceramic were calculated. The lifetimes of Tm3+:3F 4 level of Tm,Tb:YAG ceramics were calculated to be 11.28, 2.12, 1.24, 0.63 and 0.49 ms for the Tb3+ doping concentration of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.35 at 0.5 at%, respectively. The co-doping Tb3+ ion is a productive deactivator that could reduce the filling of 3F 4 mainfold and enhance the emission of 3H 4 →3F 4 transition. These results indicate that the addition of Tb3+ ions in Tm,Tb:YAG ceramic could be a promising technique for laser operation around 1.5 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A series of 0.6 at% Pr:CaF 2 -RF 3 (R= Y3+, Gd3+, Lu3+) crystals were successfully grown by the temperature gradient technique(TGT) method. • By co-doping R3+ ion (R=Y3+, Gd3+, Lu3+), the spectral performance of the crystals could be significantly improved and the function effect is also different. • The spectral performance and spectral quality factor of the crystals were systematically described and compared for the first time. • The spectral modulation effect caused by Y3+, Gd3+ and Lu3+ co-doping ion was discussed. A series of 0.6 at% Pr:CaF 2 -RF 3 (R = Y3+, Gd3+, Lu3+) crystals have been successfully grown by the temperature gradient technique(TGT). The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay curves were measured and analyzed at room temperature. When the R3+ concentration is higher than a certain value, the diffraction peaks of Pr:CaF 2 -RF 3 crystals were well indexed to the (Ca,Y)F 2 phase. By co-doping R3+ ion (R=Y3+, Gd3+, Lu3+), the spectral performance of the crystals could be significantly improved and the function effect is also different. For 0.6 at% Pr, 28.5 at% Y:CaF 2 crystal, the fluorescence lifetime of 3P 0 energy level was fitted to be 45.46 µs, and the emission cross sections of 3P 0 →3H 6 (605 nm), and 3P 0 →3F 2 (641 nm) were calculated to be 1.78 × 10−20 cm2, and 4.61 × 10−20 cm2 with the full width at half (FWHM) of 20.1 nm and 6.8 nm, respectively. The 0.6 at% Pr, 28.5 at% Y:CaF 2 crystal could be favorble laser medium for ultra-fast laser opreration at 605 nm and 641 nm. For 0.6 at% Pr, 18 at% Gd:CaF 2 and 0.6 at% Pr, 10 at% Lu:CaF 2 crystals, the spectral quality factors σ em• τ f of 3P 0 →3F 2 transition (642 nm) were calculated to be 614.18 × 10−20 cm2•µs and 506.36 × 10−20 cm2•µs with the FWHM of 3.7 nm and 5.3 nm. All the results show that 0.6 at% Pr, 18 at% Gd:CaF 2 and 0.6 at% Pr, 10 at% Lu:CaF 2 crystals are promising gain media for high-efficiency visible laser output at 642 nm, which would compete with commercial Pr: YLF crystal in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped bismuth germanate crystals (Tm:BGO) with various doping concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at.% were grown by the micro-pulling-down method (μ-PD). The effect of thulium concentration on the growth, structure, absorption spectra, emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 and 3F 4 state was studied. Under excitation of 792 nm, Tm:BGO crystals exhibit two fluorescence bands corresponding to the 3H 4 → 3F 4 and the 3F 4 → 3H 6 transitions. The fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 state decreased strongly as the thulium concentration increased, while the lifetime of 3F 4 state was relatively constant for all thulium concentrations. • Tm:BGO crystals with different Tm3+ concentration were grown by the micro-pulling-down method. • The effect of Tm3+ concentration on the growth, structure and spectroscopic properties of Tm:BGO crystals was studied. • Tm:BGO crystals exhibit two fluorescence bands corresponding to the 3H 4 → 3F 4 and the 3F 4 → 3H 6 transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]