Spectroscopic and radiation-resistant properties of Er, Pr: GYSGG laser crystal operated at 2.79μm

We demonstrate the spectroscopic and laser performance before and after 100 Mrad gamma-ray irradiation on an Er,Pr:GYSGG crystal grown by the Czochralski method. The additional absorption of Er,Pr:GYSGG crystal is close to zero in the 968 nm pumping and 2.7–3μm laser wavelength regions. The lifetimes of the upper and lower levels show faint decreases after gamma-ray irradiation. The maximum output powers of 542 and 526 mW with the slope efficiencies of 17.7% and 17.0% are obtained, respectively, on the GYSGG/Er,Pr:GYSGG composite crystal before and after the gamma-ray irradiation. These results suggest that Er,Pr:GYSGG crystal as a laser gain medium possesses a distinguished anti-radiation ability for application in space and radiant environments.