Growth, spectroscopy and continuous-wave laser performance of Nd³⁺:LiLu<inf>0.65</inf>Y<inf>0.35</inf>F<inf>4</inf> crystal

© 2018 Astro Ltd. A mixed fluoride crystal of LiLu0.65Y0.35F4 doped with Nd3+ ions was grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Polarized absorption and luminescence spectra as well as luminescence lifetime were measured at room temperature. Emission probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were studied within the Judd-Ofelt theory and the emission cross section spectra were calculated. Efficient continuous wave laser operation was demonstrated with the crystal. A maximum output power of 7.7 W and slope efficiency of 60% were achieved at 1047 nm for the TEM00 mode