Growth, structure and laser action of Yb:YxLu1−xVO4 (x = 0.93, 0.85 and 0.71) mixed crystals

A new series of Yb:YxLu1−xVO4 (x = 0.93, 0.85, and 0.71) mixed laser crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. Crystal structure analysis showed that Yb:YxLu1−xVO4 crystals possessed the similar crystal structure to those of the tetragonal YVO4 and LuVO4. The polarized absorption spectra were measured at room temperature. The continuous-wave (CW) laser action of diode-pumped Yb:YxLu1−xVO4 mixed crystal laser was reported. A maximum output power of 1.19 W with a slope efficiency of 21.2% was demonstrated for the Yb:Y0.93Lu0.07VO4 crystal. The laser emission spectra and relationship curves between the output power and absorbed pump power (Pabs) of Yb:YxLu1−xVO4 (x = 0.93 and 0.71) crystals were measured. The laser damage threshold values and the optical quality of Yb:YxLu1−xVO4 mixed crystal were also studied.