Thermal, optical and spectroscopic assessment of Y b3+ : NaY (MoO4)2 single crystal as a potential diode pumped laser near 1.04 μm

Large crystals of pure and Y b 3+ doped NaY (MoO 4 ) 2 have been grown using the Czochralski method. The major problem with these crystals is that they are black in colour, causeing total absorption in the visible range, this was resolved by annealing and the nature of the colour defect was discussed. Measurements such as DTA, thermal expansion in different crystallographic directions, and refractive index as a function of wavelength were investigated. The broad absorption band at about 980 nm and high value of the absorption cross-section are obtained for the Y b 3+ doped crystal. The results show that Y b 3+ :NaY (MoO 4 ) 2 crystal has potential as a promising laser crystal.