Spectroscopy of ytterbium in Gd4CaO(SiO4)3 (CGS)

Basic spectroscopic characteristics of Yb : CGS single crystals were obtained in consequence of the temperature analysis of absorption and luminescence spectra, luminescence decay curves measurements, and by the decomposition of the spectra into individual Stark components. Some parameters presenting Yb : CGS crystals as an ytterbium laser medium were obtained. The generation wavelength of 1064 nm with a low threshold for an idealized lossless laser based on Yb : CGS crystals was predicted. The emission cross-section on the generation wavelength was determined to be 6×10−21 cm2. A low threshold was bound up with a high (823 cm−1) final level of the 1064 nm transition. A broad-band luminescence with a 40 nm half-width could be useful for tunable laser action around 1010–1070 nm.