Growth and characterization of Nd:Lu3ScxGa5-xO12 series laser crystals

A new series Nd:Lu3ScxGa5-xO12 (x=0.5, 0.8, 1, 1.2 and 1.5) laser crystals have been successfully grown by the optical floating zone method. Their absorption and luminescence spectra were measured at room temperature and spectral parameters were systemically calculated using Judd-Ofelt (JO) theory. The fluorescence T-f lifetimes were experimentally measured and compared with the theoretical results. Diode-pumped continuous-wave (CW) laser performance at 1.06 mu m with mixed crystals was demonstrated. The influence of different x values on laser performance and spectral parameters was also discussed. All the results show that Nd:Lu3Sc5Ga5-xO12 series crystals should be suitable for laser application. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.