Crystal Growth, Thermal and Spectral Properties of Er: LGGG Crystal

A high-quality Er3+-doped (Gd1−xLux)3Ga5O12 (Er: LGGG) laser crystal with a size of Φ 36 × 45 mm3 was successfully grown by the Czochralski (Cz) method for the first time. The effective segregation coefficient of Er3+ was determined to be 0.97, close to 1, and, thus, the uniform high-quality Er: LGGG crystal can be grown. In addition, the thermal and spectroscopic properties of Er: LGGG were investigated. Based on the measured characteristics, the Er: LGGG crystal has a huge potential for use in the 3.0 µm mid-infrared laser because of its outstanding optical quality, extraordinary thermal conductivity and stable structure.