Internal Gradient Doping of Host Crystals for Improved Quality of Solid State Lasers

Technical Summary:

This hydrothermal approach provides variation in the concentration of selected dopants within the host single crystal lattice, resulting in improved power and beam quality of solid state lasers. The global market for solid state lasers is projected to steadily increase, reaching $850 million by 2020. This steady growth is primarily due to the demand for lasers with operational thresholds that can be reached at relatively low intensities of laser pumping. One way to achieve low intensities of laser pumping includes varying the laser ion dopant concentration. Existing practices of doing this, however, are cumbersome and infeasible. Clemson University researchers have developed a practical way to vary the dopant ion concentration within the laser crystals that ultimately improves the quality of high powered lasers by eliminating thermal defects. The hydrothermal approach will enable growth of laser crystals with greatly increased sophistication and optical efficiency, dramatically increasing the performance of solid state lasers by achieving appropriate gradient doping.