A simple model for the prediction of thermal conductivity in pure and doped insulating crystals

We present a simplified approach to evaluate the thermal conductivity of insulating crystals, taking into account chemical and structural properties. We complete the thermal conductivity evaluation in the case of point defects encountered in luminescent materials. Thermal conductivity coefficients have been determined by photothermal experiments and are in good agreement with the predicted values in Yb:Y3Al5O12 and Yb:Gd3Ga5O12 solid-state lasers. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.