Thermal properties and cw-laser operation of the ytterbium doped borate Li6Y(BO3)3

Single crystals of Yb doped Li6Y(BO3)3 were obtained by Czochralski method. The first laser tests were encouraging. Different parameters have been investigated to improve cw-laser performances. Thermal properties but also ytterbium content, crystal thickness and pump polarisation are reported. The best crystal configuration was determined and led to high power cw-laser tests equal to 2 W output power.