Spectral parameters of Nd-doped yttrium orthovanadate crystals

Nd-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4, abbreviated as NYV) crystal has be en grown using a modified Czochralski method. Its main structural parameter s and optical and laser properties are all presented. The absorption spectr um of Nd3+ ions doped in NYV in a wavelength range from 190 to 900 nm and t hat of free Nd3+ ions in HCl solution of 0.2 mol in the range of 190-900 nm have both been measured. The width of the absorption band around 808 nm to match the laser diode pumping is about 28 nm, which is approximately three times broader than that of Nd-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal. The l ine intensity of the absorption spectrum of NYV has been calculated. The ca lculated luminescence parameters of NYV are also listed. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-8979(00)06921-8].