Float zone growth of vanadate single crystals for solid state lasers

Abstract

Floating-zone growth and lasing properties of vanadate single crystals are reviewed. Because the floating-zone method needs no crucible, vanadate crystals can be grown under a high oxygen partial pressure and the formation of macroscopic defects such as inclusions is effectively suppressed, as a result. Heavily doped crystals are also grown at a high growth rate of over 10 mm/h because of a steep temperature gradient. Excellent lasing performance, i.e., high slope efficiency and low threshold, has been realized using floating-zone-grown Nd:GdVO4 and Nd:LuVO4 single crystals, indicating these crystals to be of superior quality.