New silicate bonding technique for composite laser materials

Abstract We report a new low loss silicate bonding method for the assembly of laser materials. Original heterogeneous composite laser crystals have been obtained thanks to this sol–gel method: Er/Yb phosphate glass||sapphire and Nd:YVO4||sapphire. Sol composition containing additives enables to bond chemically and thermo-mechanically different materials. Composite materials made with KH2PO4 rich sol–gel demonstrated the best temperature resistance. Potassium and phosphate ions add extra flexibility and chemical affinity. The bond is resistant to temperatures higher than 200 °C and laser actions have been demonstrated in both composite materials for the first time.