Tm, Ho:YVO 4 crystals

In this paper, a kind of new crystals-Tm,Ho:YVO--have been investigated for the use of 2 micrometers lasers. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of the crystals have been measured to get absorption cross section and effective cross section. The characteristics of these crystals varied with concentration of Tm 3+ and Ho 3+ were discussed to determine the best conditions in which the crystal can work. The temperature effect of the crystals was measured. All the results are contracted with Tm,Ho:YAG to decide whether this kind of crystals can be used in 2 micrometers lasers.