Yb:CaF2 laser at cryogenic temperature

Abstract

Since its first laser operation in 2004 [1], Yb:CaF2 has been one of the most studied and promising crystals in the realm of Yb-doped materials for DPSSL applications [2,3]. In fact, this crystal gathers several interesting advantages for the development of high-power diode-pumped lasers, among which an excellent thermal conductivity of 9.3 W/m/K[4], comparable to YAG, a broad emission band, extending from about 1010 and 1070 nm and a long emission lifetime of 2.3 ms. And, the last but not the least advantage over its competitors concerns the fact that the crystal growth of pure CaF2 is already well mastered and that ultra-high-quality and very large crystals of Yb:CaF2 could be produced in the near future.