Spectral and laser properties of Yb and Ho co-doped (YLa)₂O₃ transparent ceramic

Highly transparent Yb, Ho doped (YLa)₂O₃ ceramic was fabricated by conventional ceramic processing with nanopowders. The absorption and emission spectra of the ceramic were investigated. The energy transfer mechanism between Yb³⁺ and Ho³⁺ was also discussed. The strong emission band around 2 μm indicated that the Yb–Ho: (Y_0.90La_0.10)₂O₃ transparent ceramic is a promising gain medium for the generation of 2 μm laser emissions. The laser operation of Yb–Ho co-doped (YLa)₂O₃ ceramic at 2.1 μm is first reported.