Growth and optical properties of Yb3+-doped Sr3Gd2(BO3)4 crystal

A transparent Yb3+:Sr3Gd2(BO3)4 crystal with dimensions up to ∅10 × 22 mm2 has been grown by the Czochralski method. The spectral properties have been investigated. The absorption cross-section σa is 1.65 × 10−20 cm2 at 977 nm. The emission cross-section σe is 0.94 × 10−20 cm2 at 1014 nm wavelength. The fluorescence lifetime is 1.18 ms at room temperature.