Yb:KYW Crystal (Ytterbium-doped Potassium Yttrium Tungstate) is a leading gain medium known for its extensive gain bandwidth and high emission cross-sections. Its properties make it suitable for femtosecond and mode-locked laser systems, achieving ultra-short pulse durations below 100 femtoseconds. Compared to other Yb-doped materials, Yb:KYW exhibits superior performance due to its high doping levels without concentration quenching, enabling reliable high-power output. The thermal conductivity of Yb:KYW ensures stability in high-energy applications, making it an excellent choice for regenerative amplifiers and continuous-wave lasers.
The Yb:KYW Crystal serves as a robust medium in:
Example Application:
A Yb:KYW crystal doped with 5% ytterbium ions can produce a stable output of ultrashort pulses with a center wavelength of 1020 nm, supporting advanced micromachining for nanotechnology and biophotonics.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | KY(WO4)2 doped with Yb^3+ |
| Crystal Structure | Monoclinic |
| Density | 6.41 g/cm³ |
| Mohs Hardness | 5 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 3–4 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | α_a = 9.8 × 10^-6 /°C |
| Doping Levels | 2–10% Yb^3+ |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Absorption Peak Wavelength | 444 nm |
| Absorption Cross-section | 8 x 10^-19 cm² |
| Absorption Bandwidth | ~5 nm |
| Emission Wavelengths | 523 nm, 607 nm, 640 nm |
| Emission Cross-section | 20 x 10^-19 cm² |
| Fluorescence Lifetime | 50 µs |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Np-cut, Nm-cut, and other orientations available. |
| Clear Aperture | >90% |
| Length Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Surface Flatness | λ/10 @ 632.8 nm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10 scratch/dig |
| LIDT | >10 J/cm² @ 1040 nm, 10 ns |
The absorption and emission spectra of Yb:KYW Crystals display strong peaks at 980 nm and 1030 nm, respectively, ensuring efficient energy conversion and high performance in laser systems.
Custom anti-reflective (AR) coatings are available, optimized for:
| Face Dimensions | Length | End Faces | Doping | Coatings | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 × 3 mm | 5 mm | Brewster-angle cut | 2% | AR@970–1070 nm | 540 |
| 5 × 5 mm | 5 mm | Right-angle cut | 10% | AR@970–1070 nm | 590 |
| Customizable | Custom | Customizable | Up to 10% | Customizable | Upon Request |
