Growth, spectral properties, and diode-pumped laser operation of a Nd3+-doped LaMgAl11O19 crystal

A Nd3+-doped LaMgAl11O19 (Nd:LMA) crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. Room temperature polarized absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime of the Nd:LMA crystal were measured and analyzed. The Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω2,4,6 were calculated to be 1.21×10-20, 3.63×10-20, and 2.35×10-20 cm2, respectively. The absorption and emission cross sections were calculated. Using a 790-nm diode laser as pump source, continuous-wave laser operation of an a-cut Nd:LMA crystal has been demonstrated with a maximum output power of 1.71 W and slope efficiency of 40.4% for a 1055 nm laser. Low-gain laser operation at 1082 nm is also realized with a maximum output power of 1.46 W and slope efficiency of 34.5%.