Laser Performance of Neodymium- and Erbium-Doped GYSGG Crystals

Abstract

Garnet crystals possess many properties that are desirable in laser host materials, e.g., they are suitable for diode laser (LD) pumping, stable, hard, optically isotropic, and have good thermal conductivity, permitting laser operation at high average power levels. Recently, a new garnet material, GYSGG, was developed by replacing some of the yttrium ions (Y3+) with gadolinium ions (Gd3+) in YSGG, demonstrating great potential as a laser host material. GYSGG crystals doped with trivalent neodymium ion (Nd3+) and erbium ions (Er3+) were successfully grown for laser generation in the near- and mid-infrared range, with some of the laser performances reaching the level of mature laser gain media. This paper gives an overview of the achievements made in Nd3+- and Er3+-doped GYSGG lasers at different wavelength ranges. Additionally, full descriptions on Q-switching, mode-locking and wavelength-selecting methods for Nd:GYSGG, and the mechanisms of power scaling by co-doping sensitizers and deactivators in Er:GYSGG, are given. It is expected that this review will help researchers from related areas to quickly gain an understanding of these laser materials and promotes their commercialization and applications.

The Growth and Spectroscopic Properties of Er, Nd: YSGG Single Crystal Fibers

“…Based on the energy level, there are such transfers as Er 3+ : 4 I 13/2 → Nd 3+ : 4I 15/2 and the energy transfer up-conversion process Er 3+ : 4 I 13/2 + Nd 3+ : 4 I 15/2 → Er 3+ : 4 I 15/2 + Nd 3+ : 4 F 5/2 , 2 H 9/2 , respectively. The combined effect induces a relatively low number of particles in 4 I 13/2, which enable it obtain a 2.79 µm fluorescence emission easily [27][28][29][30]. As a consequence, the data mentioned above, indicating the significant effect of Er-Nd-doping of the YSGG, can also provide a better understanding to explore a high 2.79 µm laser output.…”

Development of the 2.7 μm to 3 μm Erbium-Doped Laser

“…Meanwhile, research into laser gain substances is still expanding. New gain stances such as Er:GGAG have been discovered [24][25][26]. There are still problems regar low optical to optical efficiency and serious thermal effects in the existing high sin pulse energy Er laser.…”