Growth and laser action of Yb: YVO4 crystals with low Yb doping concentration

► Yb: YVO4 crystals with low doping concentrations of Yb3+ have been grown using the Czochralski method. ► The polarized absorption spectra of Yb: YVO4 (0.26 at% and 0.11 at%) were measured. ► A cw laser output power of 0.35 W was achieved with the 0.11 at% Yb doped Yb: YVO4 crystal.