Growth and characterization of LiGd1-x-yYxNdyF4 single crystals

LiGdF4 (GLF) crystals co-doped with yttrium concentrations up to 50 mol% an d neodymium have been grown by the Czochralski method, under argon and CF, atmospheres. The best conditions for crystal growth were achieved using car bon-free chemicals and CF4 atmosphere, and one good-quality crystal of LiGd 1-x-yYxNdyF4 (x = 50mol%, y = 2.7 mol%) was obtained. The segregation coeff icients measured for gadolinium and yttrium were close to I and for neodymi um is 0.40, independent of the Gd/Y ratio. From the point of view of the ap plication of these crystals as laser media there is the possibility to use two crystals with advantage over the Nd:YLF (Nd:YLF) the Nd:GLF and the Nd: GLF co-doped with 50mol% Y. The characterization of these crystals is prese nted. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.