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]