Spectroscopic properties and continuous-wave laser operation of a new disordered crystal: Yb-doped CNGG.

We report the room-temperature spectroscopic properties and continuous-wave laser operation of a new disordered crystal, Yb:Ca(3)(NbGa)(2-x)Ga(3)O(12). The peak absorption cross section is 3.3x10(-20) cm(2) at 973.5 nm; the emission band important for laser action is centered at 1028 nm with a peak cross section of 2.5x10(-20) cm(2). By diode end pumping, an output power of 1.9 W was achieved with a slope efficiency of 28.5%.