Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Yb:YAG Crystal) is a highly efficient and versatile laser crystal designed for diode-pumped solid-state laser systems. Yb:YAG’s simple electronic structure excludes excited-state absorption, resulting in minimal detrimental quenching processes. Compared to the widely used Nd:YAG, Yb:YAG Crystal exhibits a broader absorption band near 940 nm, allowing better thermal management and more efficient pump utilization.
Yb:YAG Crystal is widely recognized for its high thermal conductivity and mechanical robustness, making it ideal for high-power and thin-disk laser configurations. Its low quantum defect (~9%) significantly reduces heat generation, extending the laser system’s lifetime and ensuring stable operation. The crystal’s emission at 1030 nm makes it a strong candidate for replacing Nd:YAG in applications requiring better thermal efficiency.
Yb:YAG crystals are employed across various high-tech industries due to their excellent optical and mechanical properties. Some key applications include:
Example: Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers enable efficient machining with minimal thermal distortion, making them ideal for intricate manufacturing processes.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Laser Wavelength | 1030 nm |
| Stimulated Emission Cross Section | 2.0 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² |
| Fluorescence Lifetime | 950 µs |
| Linewidth | 9 nm |
| Loss Coefficient | 0.003 cm⁻¹ |
| Absorption Bandwidth | 8 nm @ 940 nm |
| Thermal Optical Coefficient | 9 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Laser Wavelength | 1030 nm |
| Stimulated Emission Cross Section | 2.0 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² |
| Fluorescence Lifetime | 950 µs |
| Linewidth | 9 nm |
| Loss Coefficient | 0.003 cm⁻¹ |
| Absorption Bandwidth | 8 nm @ 940 nm |
| Thermal Optical Coefficient | 9 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dopant Concentration | 0.5–20 atm% |
| Surface Quality | 10/5 to MIL-PRF-13830B |
| Wavefront Distortion | < λ/8 @ 633 nm |
| Parallelism | < 20 arc seconds |
| Perpendicularity | < 15 arc minutes |
| Surface Flatness | < λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Chamfer | 0.2 mm x 45° |
| Length Tolerance | ±0.5 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
Yb:YAG typically demonstrates high transmittance in the range of 900–1100 nm, peaking near 1030 nm.
| Coating Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| AR Coating | R < 0.2% @ 1030 nm |
| HR Coating | R > 99.8% @ 1030 nm |
| Other Coatings | Available for 940 nm or upon request |
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.
| Dimension | Length | Dopant (%) | End Faces | Coating | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 mm | 5 mm | 5% | Right-angle cut | AR @ 1030 nm | $540 |
| 2 x 2 mm | 10 mm | 10% | Right-angle cut | AR/HR Coated | $500 |
| 5 x 5 mm | 15 mm | 1% | Brewster-angle | AR @ 940/1030 nm | $600 |
| Customization Available | Yes | Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request |