Influence of Yb concentration on Yb:KYW laser properties

CW and Q-switched KY(WO 4 ) 2 :Yb 3+ with ytterbium concentration of 5%, 10%, and 20% laser operation under LD pumped have been investigated and the main characteristics of the KY(WO 4 ) 2 :Yb 3+ laser are presented here. A maximum slope efficiency of 66% was achieved for this active medium.