title: Yb(3+) spectroscopy in (Nb or Ta):RbTiOPO(4) single crystals for laser applications.
abstract: Single crystals of Yb:RbTiOPO(4) codoped with Nb(5+) or Ta(5+) were grown by the top seeded solution growth slow-cooling technique. The ytterbium concentration in the crystals varies as a function of the molar ratio of the precursor oxides and of the codopant, reaching a maximum value of 1.9x10(20) Yb(3+) ions/cm(3). The broad band near 1 mum in absorption and emission spectra at room temperature is due to the large splitting of the Yb(3+) ground state. The ytterbium (2)F(5/2) level radiative lifetime in Nb:RbTiOPO(4) (tau(rad) = 2.7 ms), was calculated and then compared to the measured fluorescence decay time (tau(em) = 2.2 ms), giving an intrinsic quantum efficiency of 81%. To evaluate the potentiality of these crystals for self-frequency doubling, preliminary results of Yb(3+) laser operation and fundamental wavelength measurements for type-II non-critical second harmonic generation ( lambda(NCPM)) are also reported.
authors: Alexandra
authors: A
authors: Peña
authors: Joan J
authors: JJ
authors: Carvajal
authors: Maria C
authors: MC
authors: Pujol
authors: Xavier
authors: X
authors: Mateos
authors: Magdalena
authors: M
authors: Aguiló
authors: Francesc
authors: F
authors: Díaz
authors: Valentin
authors: V
authors: Petrov
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Segonds
authors: Benoît
authors: B
authors: Boulanger