KGW:Nd, YAB:Nd, GdCOB:Nd: new active media for diode-pumped laser systems

The paper describes growth of neodymium doped borate and tungstate single crystals and their optical and spectroscopic properties. Czochralski and top seeded solution growth techniques were used to crystalize Kgc1-xNdx(WO4)2 tungstate, and self-frequency doubling YAl3(BO3)4:Nd and Ca4GdO(BO3)3:Nd borates. Single crystals having good optical quality, free from inclusions, bubbles, or cracks were obtained. Transmission and luminescence spectra of investigated crystals were measured. The measurements of Nd3+ ions lifetime at the upper laser level for the samples of KGW:Nd, YAB:Nd, and GdCOB:Nd crystals were made by means of direct method with pulse excitation. The obtained results confirm usability of as-grown single crystals for construction of diode-pumped lasers.