Czochralski growth and laser parameters of RE3+-doped Y2O3 and Sc2O3

Abstract Yttria exhibits a thermal conductivity which is higher than that of Y3Al5O12. Moreover, it can be doped with rare earth ions. The isostructural scandia has similar characteristics. Due to these properties both oxides are attractive hosts for high power solid state lasers. We have grown yttrium oxide and scandium oxide crystals from rhenium crucibles by the Czochralski technique. The size of the crystals is limited because of problems to control the crystal diameter during the growth process. However, the grown rare earth doped samples show promising spectroscopic features. We report on the spectroscopic characteristics of Y2O3 and Sc2O3 doped with Ho3+- and Er3+-ions. Laser operation of Er:Sc2O3 near 3 μm wavelength has already been demonstrated.