Spectroscopic properties and laser performances of yb 3+ :y 2 sio 5 , a new infrared laser material

Yb:Y2SiO5 (Yb:YSO) single crystals have been elaborated by the Czochralski process. The spectroscopic properties as well as the laser potential of this new material have been investigated. Laser tests have been performed on uncoated samples under Ti-Sapphire pumping, providing an optical-to-optical efficiency of 30%, with thresholds of about 80 mW. Similar results have been demonstrated under diode pumping, with an optical-to-optical efficiency of around 30%, but higher threshold of 300 mW.