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After the deep learning method emerged, the automated detection technology of pavement crack images has significantly progressed. The dominant approach is supervised deep learning, which relies on large-scale labeled ground truth. However, the problems are mostly unlabeled original crack images, which are difficult to fully utilize by the supervised deep learning network model. As a representative method of self-supervised learning, contrast learning can learn feature representations from unlabeled data, thus improving the accuracy of downstream tasks. This paper proposes a two-stage framework with improved U-Net based on self-supervised contrastive learning for pavement crack image segmentation. The framework takes improved U-Net as the basic architecture to highlight the significant features of the target segment of fine cracks. U-Net is improved by integrating the residual structure and attention mechanism in the typical U-Net architecture. The framework includes two learning stages: pre-training and fine-tuning. In the pre-training stage, the potential feature representation is learned from the unlabeled crack image. Crack images and pavement background images are used in the training data so that the model learns the distinguishable mapping relationship between crack and its background in the high-dimensional vector space without supervision comparison. In the fine-tuning stage, the network loads the parameters after the pre-training and uses the labeled training data for the retraining. Experimental results show that the proposed two-stage framework significantly improves the performance of crack segmentation accuracy without increasing the number of existing training samples and their labeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most pavement crack detection methods based on deep learning rely too much on pixel-wise labels, and are facing with sample imbalance problem. This paper proposes a three-stage pavement crack detection framework with positive sample augmentation by an autoencoder-deep convolutional generative adversarial network (E-DCGAN). Positive samples are the images labeled as crack in the training datasets. Firstly, crack regions are located using graph based on visual saliency (GBVS). Secondly, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model is designed to recognize crack pixels in the located crack regions. The E-DCGAN is explored to generate crack images, which are then added as augmented positive samples in the training dataset of the CNN model. The trained CNN model takes the located crack regions as inputs, outputs the recognized crack pixels. Finally, fine crack detection is realized through region growing. Crack contours are completely depicted pixel-wise based on the recognized crack pixels and the Breadth-first search. Experiments are carried out on two benchmark datasets and in practical applications. The results showed that the framework could detect cracks at the pixel level. Its performance is improved compared with standard fully convolutional network (FCN)-based and U-shaped CNN (U-Net)-based crack detection methods. In addition, the standard FCN-based and U-Net-based methods require accurate pixel-wise annotations, while the proposed framework only requires image-wise annotations. It can be concluded that the proposed framework not only effectively avoids the dependence on pixel-level annotations, improves the sample imbalance issues, but also achieves competitive detection performance over the FCN and U-Net based methods. • Proposed a crack image augmentation method based on a novel GAN model. • Designed a three-stage detection framework to locate cracks in pixel from coarse to fine. • Verified necessity of the augmentation and feasibility of the proposed framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical superstructures of laterally or vertically oriented CoOOH nanoplates were prepared by topochemical conversion of CoAl-LDH microplates intercalated with CO32− or SO42− anions, respectively. The superstructure of vertically oriented nanoplates exhibited better electrocatalytic performance as compared to the lateral counterpart, attributable to the enlarged accessible surface area and promoted reaction kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of Ce-doped YAG-Al2O3 eutectics were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method, for the purpose of high power white light emitting diodes. The eutectic structure was investigated. A calibrated integrating sphere spectrometer setup was used to measure the white LED properties of eutectic samples. The CIE color coordinates can be regulated easily by altering the Ce3+ doping concentration and sample thickness of the Ce:YAG-Al2O3 eutectics. A 1 W white LED device based on Ce:YAG-Al2O3 eutectics at a rated current of 350 mA emitted a bright white light with a CIE coordinate of (0.319, 0.334), a luminous efficacy of 83.0 lm W−1 and a Duv value of 0.003. The results showed that Ce:YAG-Al2O3 eutectics have better luminescence properties than commercial powder phosphors at a high current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Owing to the integration of power electronic devices and the development of flexible devices, demands for high quality thermal conductive composites have substantially increased. Thus highly flexible poly (vinylidene fluoride)/boron nitride (i.e. PVDF/BN-x) composite films were prepared in this work, and a low quantity of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) was added to simultaneously improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the film (i.e. PVDF/BN-30/GNP-y). The synergistic effect of the two fillers has been discussed, and results show that the thermal conductivity of PVDF/BN-30/GNP-2.5 reaches up to 0.720 Wm−1K−1 compared with 0.634 Wm−1K−1 of PVDF/BN-30. And the tensile strength is also increased from 12.43 MPa to 20.21 MPa, which has been improved by 63%. In addition, the experiment results validate that the films possess high electrical insulation and satisfactory breakdown strength, which proves its applicability to high-voltage environment. Besides, the thermal conductivity of films can be preserved after 300 thermal shocks with extreme temperature changes. This study provides a kind of flexible thermal interface material with excellent comprehensive properties for application in field of power electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ce,Tb,Gd:YAG-Al 2 O 3 eutectic crystal phosphor plates (ECPPs) were grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method to adjust correlated color temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (Ra) for high-power warm white LED applications. Tb3+ and Gd3+ ions in Ce:YAG-Al 2 O 3 play a positive role in spectra adjustment based on the structural and luminescent properties investigations. Tb3+ ions enhance the fluorescence lifetime of Ce3+ ions from 61.1 to 63.8 ns and improve the luminescence efficiency, and the highest optical-optical conversion efficiency (OCE) is 270.56 lm/W. Corresponding luminescence shift from cold white to greenish yellow. Gd3+ ions increase the peak wavelength from 554 to 564 nm and improve the Ra value, and the maximum Ra is 75.5. Corresponding luminescence is shifted from cold white to reddish violet. In addition, the luminescence of Ce,Tb,Gd:YAG-Al 2 O 3 ECPPs is adjusted to warm white with CIE coordinate (0.374, 0.364) and CCT of 4102 K, and Ra of 73.0, which is of great significance for realizing the high-power warm white LED lighting. • Tb3+ ions increased the fluorescence lifetime of Ce3+ ions by ∼17%， and improved the luminescence efficiency with the highest OCE of 270.56 lm/W. And Gd3+ ions increased the peak wavelength of emission from 554 nm to 564 nm and improved the Ra from 65.5 to 75.5. • The Ce,Tb,Gd:YAG-Al 2 O 3 ECPP has excellent performance with a low CCT of ∼4100 K and a CIE coordinate of (0.374, 0.364). • The CRI of Ce,Tb,Gd:YAG-Al 2 O 3 ECPP reached 73.0. [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]

• Developed a computer vision-based method for structural displacement measurement. • Employed fully convolutional network (FCN), conditional random field (CRF) and digital image correlation (DIC) related techniques. • Performed validation experiments on a simply supported beam. • Verified illumination-robust and multi-point simultaneous measurements. Computer vision-based techniques for structural displacement measurement are rapidly becoming popular in civil structural engineering. However, most existing computer vision-based displacement measurement methods require man-made targets for object matching or tracking, besides usually the measurement accuracies are seriously sensitive to the ambient illumination variations. A computer vision-based illumination robust and multi-point simultaneous measuring method is proposed for structural displacement measurements. The method consists of two part, one is for segmenting the beam body from its background, the segmentation is perfectly carried out by fully convolutional network (FCN) and conditional random field (CRF); another is digital image correlation (DIC)-based displacement measurement. A simply supported beam is built in laboratory. The accuracy and illumination robustness are verified through three groups of elaborately designed experiments. Due to the exploitation of FCN and CRF for pixel-wise segmentation, numbers of locations along with the segmented beam body can be chosen and measured simultaneously. It is verified that the method is illumination robust since the displacement measurements are with the smallest fluctuations to the illumination variations. The proposed method does not require any man-made targets attached on the structure, but because of the exploitation of DIC in displacement measurement, the regions centered on the measuring points need to have texture feature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al 2 O 3 –Y 3 Al 5 O 12 :Ce (Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce) eutectic with weak attenuation at high temperature has a wide range of applications in high-power white light solid-state lighting. However, the general color rendering index (general CRI, R a , the average value of R 1 -R 8) of phosphor-converted white light-emitting diode (Pc-WLED) based on this material is usually no higher than 70 (CCT < 6500 K). We grew Al 2 O 3 -YAG eutectics doped with three ions of Ce3+, Pr3+, and Cr3+ by the micro pulling-down (μ-PD) method to improve the R a through the co-luminescence and energy-transfer. The co-luminescence and energy-transfer were analyzed by the excitation-emission spectrum and the spectral power distribution. Results show that the energy-transfer between Ce3+ and Pr3+ ions in Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce, Pr occurs with each other, visibly enhancing the emission at around 610 nm and 694 nm, increases the R a by 8.4 compared to Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce. Moreover, the R a of the Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce and Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Cr stacked Pc-WLED increases by 20.4 compared to Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce, reaching 78.7. In addition, (R 9 , the special CRI for strong red, is 59.). In addition, the annealed (H 2) single-doped eutectics have little change compared to unannealed ones in luminescence, but the co-doped ones with multiple ions have a significant change. Significantly, the luminous efficiency of Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce after annealing is only increased by 4%, while that of Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce, Pr is increased by 13%. These studies show that the CRI of Pc-WLED base on Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce eutectic can be improved by ion co-doping in eutectic or superposition of Al 2 O 3 -YAG eutectic doped with other ions. • The co-luminescence of Ce3+ and Pr3+ in Al 2 O 3 –YAG enhancing the emission of 610 nm and 694 nm, increases the R a by 8.4. • The Cr3+ in Al 2 O 3 –YAG:Ce absorbs the emission spectra of the Ce3+ but quenches the fluorescence produced by Ce3+, which seriously hinders the luminescence of Ce3+. • The R a of the Al 2 O 3 –YAG:Ce and Al 2 O 3 –YAG:Cr stacked phosphor-converted LED increases by 20.4, reaching 78.7 (R 9 = 59). • The luminous efficiency of Al 2 O 3 –YAG:Ce after annealing is only increased by 4%, while that of Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce, Pr is increased by 13%. • It is found that the co-doping of Pr3+ ions will increase the probability of Ce4+ in Al 2 O 3 -YAG:Ce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reservoir computing methods have become popular; however, the nature of the dynamical reservoir (DR) is not thoroughly understood yet. We propose complex echo state network (CESN), the construction process of its DR is determined by five growth factors. The relationships between CESN connectivity structure and its performance are investigated when predicting nonlinear time series. We also introduce a quantifiable characteristic for the connectivity structure—the connectivity index, and a tool to measure the richness of reservoir states—the omega-complexity index. It is demonstrated from the experimental results that connectivity structure of the reservoirs has significant effect on theirs prediction performance, the omega-complexity index can be used as a performance predictor, and particular configuration of the growth factors and corresponding connectivity index can yield optimal performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Developed a method for distributed detection of microcracks. • Employed robust principal analysis and related techiques. • Performed validation experiments. • Detected opening of microcracks of less than 23 microns. Development of a method for distributed detection of microcracks on structural elements with very small crack opening displacements is described in this study. Robust principal component analysis (RPCA) and support vector machine (SVM) techniques were employed for denoising and classification of the signals. The objective was to detect microcracks in structural elements less than 30 µm in size. The viability of the method was accomplished by experiments involving a 15-meter steel beam with known microcracks. A distributed optical fiber sensor system based on the Brillouin scattering technology was employed for distributed measurement of strains along the length of the 15-m long beam. Distributed strain signals based on Brillouin based sensors possess inherent system noise and ambient perturbations which in turn reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements. Therefore, it is not possible to detect the smaller microcracks with small crack opening displacements. Smaller CODs are lost within the noisy distributed strain signal acquired by the Brillouin system. Undetected microcracks result in larger cracks, corrosion, and other anomalies with severe economical and safety ramifications. The method introduced for denoising and enhancement of the signal in the present study enables manifestation of the singularities on the distributed strain data and detection of microcracks. The significant component containing those singularities is effectively separated from the noise component by RPCA-based matrix decomposition. An SVM classifier with Gaussian kernel function was designed, through which the crack detections are realized by singular and nonsingular binary classification. The experimental results demonstrated that it was possible to detect microcracks with CODs as low as 23 µm without errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the comparative growth and spectroscopy of Eu3+-doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG) and Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The structure of the as-grown crystals was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The absorption spectra of the crystals are dominated by a strong line centered at 395 nm, matching well with the emission of commercial ultraviolet laser diodes. The Eu:YAG and Eu:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals exhibit strongest red emission centered at 710 nm and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) was calculated to be 2.03 and 3.19 nm, respectively. The fluorescence decay curves of 5D 0 levels were measured and discussed. All the results indicate that the Eu:YAG and Eu:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals are promising candidates for red luminescent/laser materials. • Eu:YAG and Eu:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals were successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down technique for the first time. • The structure parameters of Eu:YAG and Eu:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals were investigated by XRD. • Spectral parameters of Eu:YAG and Eu:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals were obtained and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tb3+ doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (Tb:YAG) single crystal has been grown by the Czochralski method. Optical spectroscopic characterization of the crystal was performed in order to evaluate the potential for the visible laser application. Based on the Judd–Ofelt theory, the spectroscopic parameters Ω t (t = 2, 3, 6), spontaneous transition probabilities, fluorescence branch ratio and the radiation lifetime of excited state 5D 4 state were calculated. The green emission cross section of 5D 4 →7F 5 transition were calculated to be 1.23 × 10−21 cm2 , The yellow emission cross section of 5D 4 →7F 4 transition were calculated to be 7.08 × 10−23 cm2. The decay time of the 5D 4 level was measured to be 3.12 ms, which is in reasonable agreement with the radiation lifetime of 3.30 ms. All the results indicate the potential of Tb:YAG crystal as a visible laser material. • Tb:YAG crystal was grown by Czochralski method. • Judd-Ofelt theory was used to analyze the spectroscopic properties of Tb:YAG for the first time. • Tb:YAG crystal is a potential laser material for yellow and green laser output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nd3+ doped Y 3 Sc x Al 5-x O 12 (x = 0.05, 0.5, 1) single crystals were successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) technique. The effect of compositional parameter x on the structure, absorption, emission and fluorescence lifetime of Nd:Y 3 Sc x Al 5-x O 12 crystals was studied. The Nd3+ concentration in the core increased with increasing of compositional parameter x. The full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the emission band centered at 1064 nm was calculated to be 6.1, 7.1, and 7.3 nm for x = 0.05, 0.5 and 1, respectively. The fluorescence lifetimes of 4F 3/2 levels are 259.3, 269.6, and 276.9 μs for x = 0.05, 0.5, and 1, respectively. The results indicate that the Nd:Y 3 Sc x Al 5-x O 12 crystals are promising materials for laser output. • Nd:Y 3 Sc x Al 5-x O 12 crystals were successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down technique. • Spectral parameters of Nd:Y 3 Sc x Al 5-x O 12 crystals were obtained. • The effect of composition on the structure and spectral parameters was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) crystal with nominal Sm3+ concentrations of 8 at.% was grown by the Czochralski method. Polarized absorption spectra, polarized emission spectra and fluorescence decay curve of Sm:LMA crystal were recorded at room temperature. The absorption cross-sections at 404 nm were calculated to be 2.33 × 10−20 cm2 and 0.86 × 10−20 cm2 for σ and π polarization, respectively. The spontaneous transition rates, branching ratios and the radiative lifetime of the 4G 5/2 multiplet, were calculated. The Judd-Ofelt theory has been applied to evaluate the Ω t (t = 2, 4, 6) intensity parameters. The highest stimulated emission cross-sections for the 4G 5/2 → 6H 7/2 transition around 594 nm were calculated to be 1.67 × 10−21 cm2 for σ polarization and 1.15 × 10−21 cm2 for π polarization, with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 7.68 nm and 7.27 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of the 4G 5/2 manifold was 1.84 ms. All the results show that Sm:LMA crystal would be a promising orange-red solid state laser material. • The most intensive absorption line of Sm3+ ion, suitable for 405 nm InGaN laser diode. • The rigidity of Sm:LMA crystal is higher than some host crystals. • The value Ω 2 of Sm:LMA crystal is comparable to Sm:LiYF 4. • The large parameter σ em τ of Sm3+ in LMA is beneficial for the solid state laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dy3+-doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG) and Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 (YSAG) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) technique for the first time. The room temperature absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves were measured. Dy:YAG and Dy:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals exhibit strongest emission centered at 583 nm, corresponding to the 4F 9/2 → 6H 13/2 transition. The decay lifetime of the 4F 9/2 level was measured to be 634 μs and 667 μs, respectively. All these results indicate that the Dy:YAG and Dy:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals are promising candidates for yellow laser operation. • Dy:YAG and Dy:YSAG crystals were grown by the micro-pulling-down method. • Dy:YAG and Dy:YSAG crystals exhibit strong emission centered at 583 nm. • Dy:YSAG crystal has a wide emission bandwidth due to the disordered crystalline structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 single crystal was successfully grown by the Czochralski method. The crystal structure, polarized absorption spectra and polarized emission spectra of Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 crystals were investigated. By using the Judd–Ofelt approach, the intensity parameters Ω 2,4,6 , spontaneous transition rate, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes were calculated. Diode-end-pumped continuous-wave Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 lasers have also been investigated by establishing a simple and compact plane-concave cavity with four differently coated output couplers. Four different lasing wavelengths at about 2029 nm, 2000 nm, 1966 nm and 1888 nm have been achieved with maximum output power and slope efficiency of (1.98 W, 15.1%), (5.89 W, 46.2%), (6.92 W, 54.9%) and (5.54 W, 44.7%), respectively. The results in regard to the broad emission spectra and good laser performance show that the Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 mixed crystal could be very promising for broadband tunable and/or femtosecond ultrafast laser generation in the important 2-μm spectral region. • Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. • The crystal structure, polarized spectra were investigated. • The maximum output power of 6.92 W with slope efficiency 54.9% was achieved. [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]

Ho,Pr:CaYAlO 4 (Ho,Pr:CYA) crystal doped with 1 at.% Ho3+ and 0.1 at.% Pr3+ was successfully grown using the Czochralski method. Polarized absorption spectra, emission spectra, and fluorescence lifetime measurements were performed. The impact of Pr3+ co-doping on the ∼3 μm emission of Ho3+ ions was analyzed. The energy transfer efficiency from Ho3+:5I 7 to Pr3+:3F 2 energy level was calculated to be 60.66 %, indicating that Pr3+ effectively mitigated the self-termination effect in Ho,Pr:CYA crystals. The absorption cross-section at 645 nm was found to be 1.53 × 10−20 cm2 for σ polarization and 2.62 × 10−20 cm2 for π polarization. The emission cross-section at 2842 nm was calculated to be 0.86 × 10−20 cm2 for σ polarization and 1.33 × 10−20 cm2 for π polarization at 2908 nm, with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 139 nm and 88 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetimes of the 5I 6 and 5I 7 levels were measured to be 0.17 ms and 2.01 ms, respectively. These results collectively suggest that Ho,Pr:CYA crystals hold great potential as a candidate for 2.8 μm laser applications. • Ho3+,Pr3+ co-doped CaYAlO 4 crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. • The crystal structure, polarized absorption and emission spectra were investigated. • The intensity parameters were obtained using J-O theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+, Pr3+ co-doped Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (Tm,Pr:BGO) crystals with various Pr3+ doping concentration were successfully grown using the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The use of Pr3+ co-doping for deactivating the Tm3+ ions at 1.5 μm emission was investigated in the BGO single crystal for the first time. The effect of Pr3+ concentration on the spectroscopic properties of Tm,Pr:BGO crystals were demonstrated. In addition, the fluorescence lifetime of Tm3+:3F 4 level of 0.5 at.% Pr, 2 at.% Tm:BGO crystal was quenched effectively (from 5.64 ms down to 0.36 ms) and the population inversions between Tm3+:3H 4 and 3F 4 levels are enhanced to achieve a four-level laser system at 1.5 μm. • Tm,Pr:BGO crystals with different Pr3+ concentration were grown using by the micro-pulling-down method. • The effect of Pr3+ concentration on the spectroscopic properties of Tm,Pr:BGO crystals was studied. • The use of Pr3+ co-doping for deactivating the Tm3+ ions at 1.5 μm emission was investigated in BGO crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural design of gradient is universally considered to be an effective approach to improve the performance of cellular materials. In this study, the selective laser melting (SLM) was used to fabricate honeycomb components with different gradient configurations and gradient values. The influences of configurations and gradients on the manufacturability, microstructure evolution, and compression behavior were comprehensively investigated. The numerical simulation was conducted to study the deformation mechanism of honeycombs with different configurations. Results revealed that the small wall-thickness caused pore defect and reduced the relative material density of honeycomb components. The variation of the cooling rate of different building parts led to different size of grains. Different configurations and gradients greatly affected the compression behavior of gradient honeycombs. The symmetric positive gradient (SP) configuration exhibited the most excellent compression performance with the highest mean crushing strength, densification strain and CEF. With the increase of gradient values, the compression strength of gradient honeycombs greatly decreased, while the densification strain enhanced visibly. The elevation of gradient values also obviously increased the energy absorption capacity of honeycomb structures, up to 20.41%. The effect of the structure relative density on the compression properties was studied by the numerical simulation. With the increase of the structure relative density, the specific compression strength and the specific energy absorption apparently rose. • Continuous gradient honeycomb structures were fabricated by selective laser melting. • Four different gradient configurations and gradient values were designed. • Microstructure was studied and closely related to the deformation mode. • Increase of gradient values notably improved the energy absorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yb:CaYAlO 4 (Yb:CALYO) shaped crystal fibers with different Yb3+ doping concentration were successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ -PD) method. The effect of the Yb3+ concentration on the structure, absorption, emission and lifetime was systematically studied. The strongest absorption peaks of Yb:CALYO crystal fibers are located at 977 nm for σ and π polarization. The micro-photoluminescence indicate that Yb3+ ions in CALYO single crystal fiber grown by the μ -PD method distributed evenly across a cross-section. The emission cross-section of 5 at.% Yb:CALYO crystal fiber was calculated to be 0.86 × 10−20 and 1.08 × 10−20 cm2 at 983 nm for σ and π polarizations. Benefited from the disordered structrure of CaYAlO 4 crystal, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) at 978 nm was 68.9 nm and 80.9 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of 2F 5/2 energy level of Yb:CALYO crystal fibers with concentration of 0.5 at.%, 1 at.%, 2 at.% and 5 at.% was calculated to be 435 μs, 484 μs, 514 μs and 453 μs, respectively. The experimental results show that Yb:CALYO crystal fiber is a potential laser medium for ultrashort laser operation. • Yb:CaYAlO 4 shaped crystal fibers were grown by the micro-pulling down method. • The crystal structure, polarized spectra were investigated. • The effect of Yb3+ concentration on the spectroscopic properties was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The luminescence properties of Mn4+-doped β -Ga 2 O 3 are strongly affected by the surrounding crystal field within the [MnO 6 ] octahedral site, which is substitute for Ga Ⅱ site, as determined through the first-principles calculations. The crystal field strength parameters Dq, B, and C are computed, and the Tanabe-Sugano diagram is redrawn for C/B = 6.7. The temperature dependence of the optical spectra is thoroughly examined, revealing the thermal quenching mechanisms involving the thermal activation energy of 2E g and 4T 2g , which are 378 ± 26 cm−1 and 3527 ± 25 cm−1, respectively. In order to further investigate the temperature sensing characteristics, the absolute (S a) and relative (S r) sensitivities are obtained. At 303 K, the S r is determined to be 0.72 %K−1, while S a is estimated to be in the range of 10−2 (below 0.05 K-1) for the Mn4+ doped β -Ga 2 O 3 thermometers. The thermal resolution δT is demonstrated to be below 0.1 K, surpassing that of traditional Nd3+ and Er3+-doped thermometers. Moreover, a linear relationship between the energy separation ΔE of the thermally coupled 2E g -4T 2g energy levels and the crystal field strength Dq is observed in numerous materials. With this consideration, the nature of the thermometer, along with its S a and S r , can be roughly predicted and designed for various operational conditions. • The Mn4+ doped β -Ga 2 O 3 crystals was successfully grown via the optical floating zone method and their luminescence properties was first investigated in detail. • The temperature dependence of luminescence properties was further studied with the thermal quenching activation energy of 2E g and 4T 2g , respectively. • The temperature sensing properties of Mn4+ doped β -Ga 2 O 3 thermometers, whether the relative sensitivities (S r), the absolute sensitivities (S a) or the thermal resolution ΔT, is estimated to be surpassing that of traditional Nd3+ and Er3+-doped thermometers. • A linear relationship between the crystal field strength Dq and the energy separation of the thermally coupled energy levels 2E g -4T 2g was observed, which gives us a broaden idea to predict and design the nature of the thermometer for various conditions. [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]

Tm3+ doped and Tm3+, Pr3+ co-doped Lu 3 Al 5 O 12 (LuAG) garnet single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and lifetimes were investigated at room temperature. In the absorption spectra, the transition centered at 782 nm matches well with the GaAlAs LDs laser pumping. The incorporation of Pr3+ into Tm3+-doped LuAG crystals enhanced the intensity of 1.5 μm emission and decreased the fluorescence lifetime of the lower energy level for 1.5 μm emission from 10.427 ms to 2.603 ms. The results indicate that Tm,Pr:LuAG crystal can be promising candidate for near infrared 1.5 μm laser materials. • Tm:LuAG and Tm,Pr:LuAG crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. • Spectral parameters of Tm:LuAG and Tm,Pr:LuAG crystals were obtained and compared. • The fluorescence mechanism of Tm,Pr:LuAG crystal has been studied for the first time. [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]

High quality of Tb3+-single doped and Tb3+/Pr3+ co-doped CaF 2 crystals were grown by the temperature gradient technique (TGT). Pr3+ ions were used as sensitizing ions of Tb3+. Optical properties including absorption spectrum, emission spectrum, and fluorescence decay curve were recorded. Through co-doping sensitizing ions of Pr3+, the absorption cross section around 480 nm increased from 0.007 × 10−20 cm2 to 0.3 × 10−20 cm2, the large value is beneficial for the absorption of LD pump source. Judd-Ofelt theory was used to analyze the spectroscopic parameters. Fluorescence branch ratio, transition probability, radiative and fluorescence lifetimes, and quantum efficiency were determined as well. The emission cross section of Tb,Pr:CaF 2 for the green emission at 544 nm and yellow emission at 587 nm corresponding to the transition of 5D 4 →7F 5 and 5D 4 →7F 4 were calculated to be 5.56 × 10−22 cm2 and 8.78 × 10−23 cm2, respectively, which is comparable to the Tb3+ doped CaF 2 crystal. • Tb:CaF 2 crystal and Tb/Pr co-doped CaF 2 crystal were grown by TGT method. • Pr3+ ions were used to improve the absorption cross section of Tb3+ ions. • Judd-Ofelt theory was used to analyze the spectroscopic parameters. • Tb,Pr:CaF 2 crystal is a potential laser material for green and yellow oscillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a high-power Ho:YAG single-crystal fiber (SCF) laser inband pumped by a high-brightness Tm-fiber laser at 1908 nm. The Ho:YAG SCF grown by the micro-pulling-down technique exhibits a propagation loss of $0.05\pm 0.005~\text{cm}^{-1}$ at $2.09~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$. A continuous-wave output power of 35.2 W is achieved with a slope efficiency of 42.7%, which is to the best of our knowledge the highest power ever reported from an SCF-based laser in the 2 $\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{m}$ spectral range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of iron content on the friction and wear performances of Cu–Fe-based friction materials under dry sliding friction and wear test condition. Design/methodology/approach: Cu–Fe-based friction materials with different iron content were prepared by powder metallurgy route. The tribological properties of Cu–Fe-based friction materials against GCr15 steel balls were studied at different applied loads and sliding speeds. Meanwhile, microstructure and phases of Cu–Fe-based friction materials were investigated. Findings: Cu–Fe-based friction materials with different iron content are suitable for specific applied load and sliding speed, respectively. Low iron content Cu–Fe-based friction material is suitable for a high load 60 N and low sliding speed 70 mm/min and high iron content Cu–Fe-based friction material will be more suitable for a high load 60 N and high sliding speed 150 mm/min. The abrasive wear is the main wear mechanism for two kinds of Cu–Fe-based friction materials. Originality/value: The friction and wear properties of Cu–Fe-based friction materials with different iron content were determined at different applied loads and sliding speeds, providing a direction and theoretical basis for the future development of Cu–Fe-based friction materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped calcium niobium gallium garnet (Tm:CNGG) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The crystal structure, absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of Tm:CNGG crystals were investigated. The absorption and emission bandwidths of Tm:CNGG crystals are larger than those of other Tm3+ doped garnet crystals, which will be beneficial for laser diode (LD) pumping and ultrashort pulse generation. Additionally, continuous wave (CW) laser operation around 2 μm was achieved in the 2.0 at.% Tm:CNGG crystal by LD pumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pr3+-doped Sr 0.5 La 0.5 Mg 0.5 Al 11.5 O 19 (ASL) crystal along 〈100〉 direction was successfully grown using the Czochralski technique under azote atmosphere. Absorption and emission spectra of Pr:ASL crystal have been measured at room temperature. Continuous-wave laser operation of the a-cut and c-cut Pr:ASL samples under InGaN laser diode pumping has been demonstrated. For deep red laser operation at about 726 nm, the maximum output powers achieved from a-cut sample was 92.8 mW with slope efficiency of about 11.9%, while 46.6 mW with slope efficiency of 8.0% for the c-cut sample. For red laser at about 645 nm, maximum output powers of 49.2 mW and 42.8 mW were obtained for the a-cut sample and c-cut sample, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 6.7% and 8.5%, respectively. • Pr:Sr 0.5 La 0.5 Mg 0.5 Al 11.5 O 19 crystal was successfully grown using the Czochralski method. • Spectral parameters of Pr:Sr 0.5 La 0.5 Mg 0.5 Al 11.5 O 19 crystal were obtained. • Red and deep red laser were demonstrated in Pr:Sr 0.5 La 0.5 Mg 0.5 Al 11.5 O 19 crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene characterized with ultrahigh intrinsic strength and excellent electronic properties is an ideal material to reinforce metals without despairing their thermal and electrical properties. Here, the electronic and mechanical properties of graphene intercalated copper (graphene/Cu) composites are investigated using density functional theory calculations. Graphene/Cu systems present an excellent electrical conductivity and increasing Debye temperature from 335 K for pure Cu to over 535 K in regardless of stacking models. In addition to greatly enhanced Young's modulus (149%), shear modulus (156%) and bulk modulus (108%) compared to copper, the ultimate strength of graphene/Cu composites are enhanced by 174% and 162%, in x and y directions, respectively. The strengthening and toughening effects of graphene in the composites is originated from strain strengthening and load transfer, which is consistent with the experimental results. Based on this calculation, the strengthening mechanism can be understood, which explains many experimental observations and also provides us a guide to improve graphene/metal composites quality. Image 1 • Deformation mechanism of graphene/Cu composite materials was systematically summarized. • Graphene/Cu systems present an excellent electrical conductivity and increasing Debye temperature compared with pure Cu. • Compared to copper, the tensile strength of graphene/Cu composites are enhanced by 174% and 162% in parallel to the direction of graphene. • Strengthening and toughening effects of graphene in composites is originated from strain strengthening and load transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Eu3+-doped Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (BGO) single crystal with the size of Ø2 × 83 mm3 was successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down method. The absorption cross section, emission cross section and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Eu:Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (Eu:BGO) were reported for the first time. The absorption cross-section is 1.03 × 10−20 cm2 with full-width at half-maximum of 3.1 nm at around 393 nm. The spectroscopic intensity parameter Ω t (t = 2,4,6), radiative transition probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were obtained, respectively. Furthermore, the stimulated emission cross-section centered at 611 nm was calculated to be 6.32 × 10−21 cm2. The fluorescence lifetime of 5D 0 level was obtained to be 1.51 ms. The results indicate that Eu: BGO single crystal could be a potential laser host in the visible range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We report on the growth, spectroscopic properties and visible laser operation of Pr3+-doped LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) crystal. The absorption and emission spectra were recorded in visible wavelength range and the decay time of 3P 0 manifold was measured to be about 34.5 μs at room temperature. Using an InGaN laser diode as pump source, continuous-wave laser operation of Pr:LMA crystal have also been demonstrated in red at about 645 nm and deep red at about 725 nm, which provide new linearly polarized sources for various potential applications. Highlights • A Pr:LMA crystal was successfully gown by using the Czochralski method. • Spectral parameters of Pr:LMA crystal were obtained. • Using a blue laser diode as pump source, red and deep red laser were demonstrated from Pr:LMA crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nd3+-doped Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (Nd:BGO) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curve have been measured at room temperature. The absorption cross section is about 1.39 × 10–20 cm2 at around 808 nm for 0.3 at% Nd:BGO. The Judd–Ofelt theory has been applied to calculate the intensity parameters, and three spectroscopic parameter Ω t (t = 2,4,6), radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetime and branching ratios were calculated. The stimulated emission cross-section of 4F 3/2 →4I 11/2 transition at 1064 nm was obtained to be 3.29 × 10–20 cm2 for 0.3 at% Nd3+-doped BGO crystal. The fluorescence lifetimes of 0.3 at% and 1.0 at% neodymium-doped BGO crystals were measured to be 288 μs and 242 μs, respectively. Those results indicate that Nd3+-doped BGO crystal grown by the μ-PD method would be a potential laser medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Floating zone technique was used to grow high-quality Cr3+:YScO 3 crystals. The absorption cross-sections of the 4A 2 →4T 1 transition and 4A 2 →4T 2 transitions were calculated to be 1.71 × 10−20 cm2 at 488 nm and 0.72 × 10−20 cm2 at 666 nm, respectively. The crystal field strength Dq, Racah parameters B, and C were calculated to be 1502 cm−1, 533 cm−1, and 3362 cm−1, respectively. In the Cr3+:YScO 3 crystal, the effective phonon energy and Huang-Rhys factor S were calculated to be 284 cm−1 and 8.62, respectively. The emission cross-section at 988 nm corresponding to the 4T 2 →4A 2 transition was calculated to be 1.44 × 10−20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 318 nm. All the results show that Cr3+:YScO 3 crystal has the potential to be a tunable and ultrafast laser crystal. • Cr:YScO 3 crystals were successfully grown by the Floating zone technique(FZ) method. • Broad emission spectrum with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 318 nm in Cr:YScO 3 crystals was observed. • Spectral properties and crystal field parameters of Cr:YScO 3 crystals were investigated and analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High optical quality Dy:Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (Dy:YAG) crystal has been grown by the Czochralski method. Absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curve of Dy:YAG have been recorded at room temperature. The strongest emission of Dy:YAG crystal is near 583 nm, corresponding to the 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 13/2 transition. The Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω 2 , Ω 4 and Ω 6 were calculated to be 1.49 × 10 −20 cm 2 , 0.94 × 10 −20 cm 2 and 3.20 × 10 −20 cm 2 , respectively. The radiative transition rates, branching ratios and the emission cross sections were calculated. The fluorescence and radiative lifetimes are 0.40 ms and 1.02 ms, respectively, resulting in a quantum efficiency of 39.2%. The results indicate that the Dy:YAG crystal would be a promising yellow solid state laser material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-quality Cr:CYA (Cr:CaYAlO 4) single crystal fiber was grown by μ-PD (Micro-Pulling-Down) method. The E//a and E//c polarized excitation spectra of Cr:CYA at room temperature was measured. The crystal field parameters were calculated and the energy level structure of Cr:CYA was analyzed. We also measured the polarization emission spectra and lifetimes at different temperatures and calculated the effective emission cross-section. Based on the above data and Boltzmann law, the thermal distribution between the excited energy levels 2E and 4A 2 at different temperatures was analyzed. The present work may be useful for guiding laser research on Cr:CYA and other Cr3+-doped laser crystals above room temperature. • Cr:CYA single crystal fiber was grown by μ-PD (Micro-Pulling-Down) method. • Excitation spectra and crystal field parameters of Cr:CYA crystals were investigated and analyzed. • The effective emission cross section of Cr:CYA at different temperatures was calculated. [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]

Tm3+ doped and Tm3+,Pr3+ co-doped PbF 2 single crystals with high quality were grown by Temperature Gradient Technique (TGT). The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and lifetimes were investigated at room temperature. The absorption transition of Tm3+:3H 6 →3H 4 matches well with the pumping source of the AlGaAs laser diode. The 1.5 μm emission intensity originating from Tm3+: 3H 4 →3F 4 transition was enhanced significantly by co-doping Pr3+ ions. The energy transfer efficiency from the Tm3+: 3F 4 level to the Pr3+: 3F 2 level is as high as 90.2%, indicating that the Pr3+ ion is an effective deactivate ion for enhancing the ∼1.5 μm emission in Tm,Pr:PbF 2 crystal. The results indicated that Tm,Pr:PbF 2 crystal would be the promising candidate for 1.5 μm laser output. • Tm, Pr:PbF 2 crystal was grown by Temperature Gradient Technique (TGT). • The energy transfer efficiency from the Tm3+: 3F 4 level to the Pr3+: 3F 2 level is as high as 90.2%. • Tm,Pr:PbF 2 crystal is a potential laser material for 1.5 μm laser output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Nd:BGSO crystal with the dimensions of Φ2 × 131 mm3 has been grown successfully by the micro-pulling-down method. The peak absorption cross-section at 808 nm was calculated to 0.98 × 10−20 cm2 with full-width at half-maximum of 17.4 nm. The stimulated emission cross-section was obtained to be 3.15 × 10−20 cm2 at 1063 nm. The fluorescence and radiative lifetimes of 4F 3/2 level were 248 μs and 300 μs respectively. All results indicate that the Nd: BGSO single crystal would be a promising near-IR solid-state laser material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nd:SrAl 11 O 19 (Nd:SRA) crystal has been grown by the Czochralski method. Polarized absorption spectra, polarized fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime were investigated. For σ-polarization, the peak absorption cross section at 798 nm is 2.08 × 10−20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 10.2 nm and the peak emission cross section is 3.36 × 10−20 cm2 at 1048.5 nm with FWHM of 4.80 nm. The Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω 2,4,6 were obtained to be 0.51 × 10−20 cm2, 2.08 × 10−20 cm2, and 2.12 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. Continuous-wave laser operation of the a-cut and c-cut Nd:SRA sample has been demonstrated. The maximum output power of 8.33 W was achieved from c-cut sample at an absorbed power of 27.73 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 31.3%. • Nd:SrAl 12 O 19 crystal has been gown by the Czochralski method. • Spectral parameters of Nd:SrAl 12 O 19 crystal were obtained. • Continuous-wave laser was demonstrated from Nd:SrAl 12 O 19 crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]