Large size Sm-doped YCOB crystal grown by Bridgman method for QPCPA application

Quasi-parametric chirped-pulse amplification (QPCPA) is a new scheme that enables ideal chirped-pulse amplification with high conversion efficiency and broad gain bandwidth. In this work, high quality 4 in. Sm0.18Y0.82Ca4O(BO3)(3) (Sm:YCOB) crystal was grown by Bridgman method for the first time. The crystal composition, rocking curve, transmittance and emission spectrum, bulk laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) of Sm:YCOB crystal were characterized detailedly. The transmission and emission spectrum shows that the Sm:YCOB crystal may be a potential laser gain medium operating in visible region pumped by diode lasers around 404 nm. The rocking curve and LIDT results indicate the high quality of Sm:YCOB, which is comparable to those of Sm:YCOB and YCOB crystal grown by Czochralski method. The large size and high quality Sm:YCOB crystal harvested in this work may support the development of high efficiency and broadband parametric amplification.