Crystal growth, optical spectroscopy and laser experiments on new Yb3+-doped borates and silicates

Abstract Our interest in the laser properties of ytterbium activated materials began about eight years ago with studies of the crystal growth and spectroscopic properties of Yb:YAl 3 (BO 3 ) 4 [J. Mater. Chem 5 (1995) 583] and Yb:Ca 2 Al 2 SiO 7 [Phys. Stat. Sol. (a) 155 (1996) 249]. A significant breakthrough was the discovery of Yb:Ca 4 RE(BO 3 ) 3 O (RE=Gd, Y) (later on referred to as Yb:RECOB) and more recently of new ytterbium activated silicates and borates crystals with outstanding laser properties.