Laser Operation of Epitaxially Grown Yb: KLu(WO4)2-- KLu(WO4)2 Composites With Monoclinic Crystalline Structure.

Epitaxial monoclinic double tungstate composites based on the strongly anisotropic KLu(WO4)2 (KLuW) were grown with high crystalline quality and laser operation of ytterbium was demonstrated for the first time. Highly efficient CW laser emission of an Yb:KLuW-KLuW crystal was achieved near 1030 nm. The 100-μm-thick Yb:KLuW layer was pumped at wavelengths near 980 nm by a tapered diode laser as well as by a Ti:sapphire laser. More than 500 mW of CW output power and slope efficiencies up to 66% were obtained at room temperature without cooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]