POC-OC-122431-Yb:CALGO Crystal

  • High absorption coefficient at 979 nm, enabling efficient pump utilization.
  • Wide emission spectrum (994-1050 nm) for tunable and broadband laser applications.
  • Low quantum defect (as low as 1.5%), ensuring minimal thermal load.
  • High thermal conductivity (up to 6.9 W/m·K), ideal for high-power lasers.
  • High slope efficiency with diode pumping (up to 55%), offering energy-efficient operation.

Customizable Components Available for This Material to Meet Your Specific Needs!

General Description

Ytterbium Doped Calcium Gadolinium Aluminate (Yb:CALGO Crystal) is a cutting-edge laser gain material designed for advanced photonics applications. Its tetragonal crystal structure and outstanding thermal properties make it particularly suitable for high-power and ultrafast laser systems. The broad emission spectrum, ranging from 994 nm to 1050 nm, supports tunable and broadband laser outputs, while the high absorption coefficient at 979 nm aligns perfectly with the emission wavelength of commercial laser diodes.

Yb:CALGO stands out for its low quantum defect, reducing thermal management challenges in high-energy lasers. Furthermore, its high thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat dissipation, critical for maintaining optical performance and longevity. This material supports various Yb-doping concentrations, allowing customization for diverse laser configurations. With its robust mechanical properties and low lasing threshold, Yb:CALGO Crystal is a preferred choice for ultrafast pulsed lasers and other demanding photonics applications.

General Applications and Examples

Yb:CALGO Crystal is widely used in numerous laser applications, including but not limited to:

  1. High-Power Lasers: Its high thermal conductivity and slope efficiency make it ideal for industrial lasers used in materials processing, cutting, and welding.
  2. Ultrafast Lasers: With a broad emission spectrum and low quantum defect, Yb:CALGO enables the generation of sub-100 fs pulses, which are essential for precision micromachining, biomedical imaging, and research.
  3. Tunable Lasers: The 994-1050 nm wavelength range allows for tuning across a wide spectrum, making Yb:CALGO Crystal a versatile material for spectroscopy and other scientific applications.
  4. Diode-Pumped Solid-State Lasers (DPSSL): The high absorption coefficient at 979 nm ensures efficient energy conversion, making it compatible with commercial laser diodes.
  5. Scientific Research: Yb:CALGO crystals are used in experimental setups requiring high-energy, stable, and reliable laser sources.

Examples:

  • A 23 W diode-pumped laser achieved 5.5 W output with a 10% output coupler.
  • Another system demonstrated 12.5 W average power with 94 fs pulse duration using 28 W pump power.

Chemical and Structural Properties

PropertyValue
Chemical FormulaYb:CaGdAlO4 (Yb:CALGO)
Crystal StructureTetragonal
Space Group14/mm
Lattice Parametersa = 3.6585 Å, c = 11.978 Å
Melting Point1850 °C
Density4.8 g/cm³
Mohs Hardness6
Thermal ConductivityK_1001 = 6.9 W/m·K; K_001 = 6.3 W/m·K
Thermal Expansion Coefficient10.1 × 10^-6 K^-1 (a-axis), 16.2 × 10^-6 K^-1 (c-axis)
Laser Wavelength994-1050 nm
Absorption Wavelength979 nm
Absorption Cross-Section0.8 × 10^-20 cm² (at 979 nm)

Optical, Laser and Nonlinear Optical Properties

Optical PropertyValue
Peak Stimulated Emission Cross Section2.7 × 10^-20 cm²
Transparency Range979-1050 nm
Fluorescence Lifetime420 µs
FWHM80 nm
Absorption Bandwidth979 nm

Standard Fabrication Specifications

SpecificationValue
Orientationa or c
Standard Dopant ConcentrationsYb: 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%
Maximum Length50 mm
Surface Quality (Scratch/Dig)10/5 to MIL-PRF-13830B
Dimensional TolerancesDiameter: ±0.1 mm, Length: ±0.5 mm
Parallelism<20 arc sec
Perpendicularity<15 arc min

Spectrum Transmission Curve

The transparency curve indicates broad transmission across 994-1050 nm, supporting tunable laser operations. The absorption peak at 979 nm ensures optimal diode pumping efficiency.

Coating Specifications

  • Standard Coating: AR-1030/980 nm.
  • Reflectivity: R < 0.2% at 1030 nm, R < 0.5% at 980 nm.
  • Custom coatings available upon request for specific laser applications.
  • Adhesion Test: Compliant with MIL-C-675C military standards, an adhesion test involved applying a tape that meets LT-90 specifications onto the lens film layer. The tape was affixed fully and then removed vertically. This procedure was performed three times, resulting in no blistering or peeling.
  • Temperature Test: In line with MIL-C-675C specifications, test pieces were subjected to temperatures of -62±1℃ and 71±1℃. After maintaining them at room temperature (16℃~32℃) for two hours, the adhesion test was repeated, confirming no film detachment.
  • Abrasion Resistance Test: Conforming to MIL-C-675C and CCC-C-440 standards, the abrasion resistance test involved a gauze tester applying a minimum force of 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg) to the film. This was repeated 25 times with gauze widths of 1/4 inch (6.4mm) and 3/8 inch (9.5mm), ensuring no damage occurred to the film surface.
  • Humidity Test: Under MIL-C-675C criteria, the test piece was placed in a controlled temperature and humidity chamber set to 49 ±2℃ and 95%~100% humidity for 24 hours. The film remained intact, with no peeling, scratches, or other defects.
  • Solvent and Cleaning Testing: Following MIL-C-675C specifications, test pieces were exposed to room temperature conditions (16℃~32℃) and tested with acetone and alcohol for at least 10 minutes each. After air drying and subsequent cleaning with a cotton cloth soaked in alcohol, the film surface showed no signs of peeling or scratches.
  • Salt Spray Test: After 100 hours in a 35°C environment with a 5% saltwater concentration, the film showed no signs of damage.
Face Dimensions Length End Faces Doping Coatings SKU Price (USD)
3 mm × 3 mm 5 mm Right-angle cut 3% AR-980 nm, 1030 nm 7798 480
3 mm × 3 mm 5 mm Brewster-angle cut 5% Uncoated 7799 420
Custom Dimensions Custom Custom Up to 5% Upon request Custom Upon request
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