LASER AND SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF SR-5(PO4)(3)F-YB

Sr-5(PO4)(3)F (S-FAP) has been investigated as a new Yb-doped laser cr ystal belonging to the apatite structural family. The spectroscopy of the Yb3+ ion and the laser properties of the medium have been investig ated. The maximum absorption cross section of Yb in S-FAP is 8.6 x 10( -20) cm(2), and the maximum emission cross section is 7.3 x 10(-20) cm (2). The measured emission lifetime of Yb3+ is 1.26 ms. An Yb:S-FAP la ser has been demonstrated with a Ti:sapphire laser pump operating at 8 99 nn. The Yb:S-FAP laser was measured to have slope efficiencies as h igh as 71%. The spectroscopy and laser studies are reported, as well a s certain thermal, mechanical, and optical properties.