Spectroscopic and laser properties of Nd3+:Gd0.2Y0.766Al3(BO3)4 laser crystal

Abstract The absorption and fluorescence spectra of Nd3+:Gd0.2Y0.766Al3(BO3)4 crystal have been measured. Basing on Judd–Ofelt and TPM theory, intensity parameters Ω t (t=2,4,6), radiative lifetime, experimental and theory oscillation strength, fluorescence branching ratios and stimulated emission cross-sections were obtained and related to the laser action of this crystal. A laser output of 48 mW at 1060 nm and of 78 mW at 1300 nm with the optical to optical efficiency of 20% and of 9.75% respectively were obtained under a Ti–sapphire laser pumping. Meanwhile, a laser output of 26.7 mW at 532 nm with an optical to optical efficiency of 10.68% was obtained when it was pumped by a AlGaAs diode laser.