Single crystals for laser technique

摘要

Solid state lasers pumped with diode form a new class of lasers which replace those with lamp pumped lasers presently used. Properties of most often discussed single crystals for diode pumped solid state lasers are presented. YAG crystals doped with Yb and double -doped with Er, Yb and YVO crystals doped with rare earth elements are discussed. Recently promising for laser application seems to be doped tungstate KGd(WO_4)_2 and KY(WO_4)_2 crystals. Relatively new group of laser materials are borates, like GdCa_4BO_3)_3, Ca_4YO(BO_3)_3, YAl(BO_3)_3 offering laser, self-frequency doubling and nonlinear optical properties. As active laser materials fluorides a re discussed e.g. doped LiCaAlF_6, LiSrAlF_6 crystals. Important group of materials applied in laser technique are materials showing nonlinea absorption, which are used for passive modulation (Q-switch). YAG crystals doped with Cr, V, Co are presented.