Comparative spectroscopic and laser properties of Yb~(3+)-doped CaF_2, SrF_2 and BaF_2 single crystals

摘要

We present the spectroscopic properties and room-temperature cw tunable laser operation of Yb~(3+)-doped CaF_2, SrF_2 and BaF_2 single crystals grown and studied in the same conditions. Emission cross sections, lifetimes, laser thresholds, laser slope efficiencies and laser wavelength tuning ranges are compared. It appears that Yb~(3+)-doped BaF_2 might be more promising for diode-pumped high power laser operation.