Optical and laser properties of Yb:Y2SiO5 single crystals and discussion of the figure of merit relevant to compare ytterbium-doped laser materials

Abstract In this paper, we explore two different directions in the investigation of Yb-doped solid-state laser crystals. At first, we describe the spectroscopic properties, site occupancies, energy-level diagrams and laser performances of Yb:Y2SiO5 (Yb:YSO), a new promising laser material. Then, in a more general point of view, we discuss the problem of evaluating the laser potential of the known Yb-based lasers. The approach proposed by De Loach et al. [IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 29 (1993) 1179] is shown to be incomplete to some extent. In a search for new figures of merit, it seems reasonable to include other parameters such as the thermal properties of the host.