Spectroscopic investigation of the laser materials Yb3+:RE2SiO5, RE=Y, Sc, Lu

Optical spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy have been used to investigate Yb3+-doped yttrium, lutetium and scandium oxyorthosilicate crystals (Y2SiO5 (YSO), Lu2SiO5 (LSO) and Sc2SiO5 (SSO)). Yb3+ Energy levels diagram are presented. In the three hosts, Yb3+ ions experience high crystal field strength, particularly in Yb:SSO. Absorption and emission cross sections are presented giving insight of the laser potentials of these hosts. As Yb:YSO has already presented very good laser performances, it appears that the Yb:LSO which presents comparable spectroscopic parameters is also an attractive host for laser oscillation in the 1 um laser range.