Lasing properties of a Yb ion in tetragonal LuPO₄ and LuVO₄ isomorphic crystals: A comparative study

A comprehensive investigation is carried out to compare the spectroscopic properties, absorption saturation behaviors and lasing properties of a Yb ion in tetragonal LuPO₄ and LuVO₄ isomorphic crystals. Significant distinctions are revealed in many aspects of the lasing behavior for the Yb ion doped in the two crystal hosts, and Yb:LuPO₄ proves to be superior to Yb:LuVO₄ since it enables efficient laser action to be much more easily achieved. With a 0.6 mm thick crystal plate of Yb:LuPO₄, an output power of 3.30 W can be generated with an optical-optical conversion efficiency of 50.8%; whereas with a 2 mm long miniature crystal rod, the output power produced can reach 8.35 W with an optical-optical conversion efficiency of 46.7%.