Growth and spectral properties of Tm:Y2SiO5 single crystal

High-quality Tm:Y2SiO5 (Tm:YSO) single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The lattice parameter and separation coefficient of the crystal were measured. The three polarization axis: 〈010〉, D1 and D2 of this monoclinic single crystal were determined by Laue method. Absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescent lifetime of this single crystal were measured along the three polarization axes. Its absorption line width and absorption cross section were also calculated. A stronger absorption peak at 790nm and a fluorescence peak with enhanced emission at 2μm were observed along the D1 polarization axis compared with other two axes. Besides, this crystal exhibits bigger absorption cross section and longer fluorescence lifetime along D1 polarization axis. Therefore, Tm:YSO single crystal is suitable for AlGaAs diode-pumped laser and it possesses great potentiality in the application of 2μm solid-state laser.