New High Cross Section Laser Crystal: Neodymium-Doped Strontium Fluorovanadate

Many low and medium power cw laser applications are based on the use of laser diodes to pump Nd-doped crystals arranged in compact cavity configurations. In an effort to minimize the pump power consumption, it is desirable for the laser crystal to exhibit the lowest possible threshold of operation. This aspect of the system places many requirements on the laser crystal, including that the crystal have a large emission cross section lifetime product σemτem have low passive losses, and possess a useful pump band. Additional subtle concerns also arise, such as the nature of the thermal lens. One of the leading contenders in this area has been Nd-doped YVO4.1 Our new crystal Nd:Sr5(VO4)3F (hereafter Nd:S-VAP), has also emerged as possessing the properties suitable for low-threshold applications.