Nd3+, Y3+-codoped SrF2 laser ceramics

• 0.15 at.% Nd3+, 5 at.% Y3+: SrF2 laser ceramic was prepared for the first time.
• The CW laser operation of Nd3+, Y3+: SrF2 ceramics was obtained with slope efficiency of 31.9%.
• The fracture toughness of the SrF2 ceramics was superior to those of single crystal.

0.15 at.% Nd3+, 5 at.% Y3+-codoped SrF2 laser ceramic based on single crystal was prepared by extensive plastic deformation. Microstructure, optical and laser properties of the Nd3+, Y3+:SrF2 ceramic were investigated. The lasing of Nd3+, Y3+-codoped SrF2 ceramics with diode pumping have been observed and true CW laser operation around 1057 nm and 1050 nm was obtained with a slope efficiency of 31.9%. In particular, the fracture toughness of the ceramic is 0.98 MPa m1/2, which is approximately two times higher than that of single crystal.