Improvement of infrared laser properties of Nd:CaF_2 crystals via codoping with Y~(3+) and Lu~(3+) buffer ions

摘要

We demonstrate that codoping Nd:CaF_2 single crystals with Y ~(3+) and Lu~(3+) nonoptically active ions significantly improves their absorption, emission, and fluorescence lifetime properties and their laser performance. The spectral profiles get smoother and wider, wider than that found with standard Nd:glasses; thequantum yields increase; and efficient laser operation is obtained around 1.055 μm.