Abstract

Since its first laser operation in 2004 [1], Yb:CaF₂ has been one of the most studied and promising crystals in the realm of Yb-doped materials for DPSSL applications [2,3]. In fact, this crystal gathers several interesting advantages for the development of high-power diode-pumped lasers, among which an excellent thermal conductivity of 9.3 W/m/K[4], comparable to YAG, a broad emission band, extending from about 1010 and 1070 nm and a long emission lifetime of 2.3 ms. And, the last but not the least advantage over its competitors concerns the fact that the crystal growth of pure CaF₂ is already well mastered and that ultra-high-quality and very large crystals of Yb:CaF₂ could be produced in the near future.

© 2011 Optical Society of America