Crystal growth, spectroscopy, and laser performance of Nd 3+ :KYF 4

Nd3+-doped KYF4 boules (5 cm long by 2 cm diameter) have been grown by the top-seeded solution method. The broad absorption spectra near 800 nm and the long (>500 μs) fluorescence lifetime of the 4F3/2 laser state in this host are attractive diode-pump features with advantages over Nd3+:Y3Al5O12 and Nd3+:YLF4. We have investigated cw and Q-switched operation of Nd3+:KYF4 end pumped by a Ti: sapphire laser. Absorbed power slope efficiencies of 30% have been measured, but thermal effects limit input powers to 300 mW into the crystal.