Growth and spectroscopy of orthorombic Yb:KY(MoO4)2 laser crystal with a layered structure

摘要

We report on the growth, structure, vibronic and spectroscopic properties of novel Yb~(3+)-doped orthorhombic potassium yttrium double molybdate crystal, Yb:KY(MoO_4)_2. The layered structure of this material determines a strong polarization-anisotropy of absorption and emission bands of Yb~(3+) ions. The maximum stimulated-emission cross-section is 3.7×10~(-20) cm~2 at ～1.01 μm for light polarization E ‖ b and the lifetime of the ~2F_(5/2) state is 0.46 ms. Naturally cleaved Yb:KY(MoO_4)_2 plates are suitable for microchip lasers at ～1 μm.