Abstract

We present results for Q-switched and cw operation of a novel self frequency doubling laser crystal, neodymium and lutetium doped yttrium aluminium borage (Nd:LYAB), which is a modified form of Nd:YAB [1], Nd:LYAB is grown at the Institute of Crystal Materials, University of Shan Dong, Jinan, China. Like Nd:YAB, this crystal allows type I phasematching at room temperature of the 1.06 μm emission from the Nd³⁺ ions to the second harmonic at 530 nm. However, it is easier to grow crystals of good optical quality (compared with Nd: YAB) because the lutetium ions partly compensate for the lattice distortion caused by the neodymium ions [1], Although this crystal has twice the stimulated emission cross-section of Nd:YAB, and a wide absorption band for diode pumping (803.5 +/− 2 nm), it also suffers from absorption at the frequency doubled wavelength 530 nm (about 0.9 to 1.4 cm⁻¹) The upper state lifetime, 55 μs, is shorter than Nd: YAB, and thus suits higher repetition rate Q-switching.

© 1996 Optical Society of America