Bifunctional LaxNdyGdzSc4−x−y−z(BO3)4 crystal: Czochralski growth, linear and nonlinear optical properties, and near-infrared laser emission performances

High optical quality LaxNdyGdzSc4−x−y−z(BO3)4 (Nd:LGSB) single crystal has been obtained by the Czochralski technique. The crystal composition was found to be La0.721Nd0.046Gd0.452Sc2.781(BO3)4. Low-temperature spectroscopic investigations revealed that the Nd3+ ions enter only in La3+ ions sites. The main nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Nd:LGSB (4.6 at.%) crystal were found to be comparable to those of yttrium aluminum borate (YAB) crystal. Laser emission at 1.06 µm with 24.5 mJ energy per pulse for 35.6 mJ absorbed pump pulse energy at 807 nm and 0.71 slope efficiency has been obtained from a c-cut Nd:LGSB (4.6 at.%) uncoated crystal sample with 6.14 mm length. Slope efficiency as high as 0.73 was obtained from an uncoated 2.96 mm thick a-cut sample. The good NLO properties of Nd:LGSB crystal together with the excellent near-infrared laser performances, recommends Nd:LGSB as a very promising bifunctional crystal in self-frequency doubling configuration.