CRYSTAL-GROWTH OF KGD(WO4)(2)ND3+

The Iiquidus temperature curve for the system of KGd(WO4)(2):Nd3+-K2WO 4 was determined by means of differential thermal analysis (DTA), and large crystals of KGd(WO4)(2):Nd3+ with dimensions of up to 40 mm have been grown from a K2WO4 flux. From the grown crystal boule, a high-qu ality laser bulk crystal with a dimension of 4 mm X 4 mm X 6 mm was cu t out, and its absorption spectrum was measured. A laser output at 1.0 6 mu m with an optical to optical efficiency higher than 20% was obtai ned when this crystal was pumped by a laser diode.