Modified CZ. Growth and the Properties of Nd~(3+):KGd(WO_4)_2 Crystal

The crystal of Nd~(3+):KGd(WO_4)_2 with the size of φ20mm×35mm was grown by using the modified CZ. method. The absorption and emission spectra in the directions of a, b aJnd c axes were measured, the result shows that the intensity of absorption and emission spectra in the direction of a axis is the strongest. Therefore, the direction of a axis is the most suitable for laser experiment. A laser output of 125.5 mJ at 1.067μm was obtained when a laser crystal with the size of φ3.5mm×26mm was pumped by a Xe lamp. Compared with the YAG:Nd~(3+) laser crystal, which was performed the same laser experiment at the same conditions, Nd~(3+):KGd(WO_4)_2 has the advantages of lower laser threshold and higher efficiency as well as the polarized laser output. Therefore, it is expected that Nd~(3+):KGd(WO_4)_2 crystal will be very useful in the miniature laser.