Yb:YAG Crystal Material General Description
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 Crystal General Applications and Examples
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 |
Chemical Formula | Yb:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ |
Crystal Structure | Cubic |
Lattice Constant (Å) | 12.01 |
Density (g/cm³) | 4.56 |
Melting Point (°C) | 1970 |
Refractive Index (@ 1030 nm) | 1.82 |
Thermal Conductivity | 6.2 W/m/K |
Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 7.8 × 10⁻⁶/K |
Mohs Hardness | 8.5 |
Dopant Concentration | 0.5–20 atm% |
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.
Photonics On Crystals (POC) delivers high-performance Yb:YAG crystals manufactured to meet the stringent demands of modern laser systems. With state-of-the-art facilities and precision production techniques, POC ensures consistent quality, minimal defects, and optimal performance. Our crystals are customizable for specific applications, offering a range of dopant concentrations, dimensions, and coatings.
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 |
