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

A high-quality Er 3+ -doped (Gd 1-x Lu x ) 3 Ga 5 O 12 (Er: LGGG) laser crystal with a size of Φ 36 × 45 mm 3 was successfully grown by the Czochralski (Cz) method for the first time. The effective segregation coefficient of Er 3+ 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.