Crystal growth and spectral properties of Nd3+:Ca9Gd(VO4)7 crystal

An Nd3+:Ca9Gd(VO4)7 crystal with dimensions of ∅25×30 mm3 was grown by the Czochralski method. The hardness, thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity coefficient of the crystal were measured. The spectroscopic characteristics of Nd3+:Ca9Gd(VO4)7 crystals were investigated. The absorption band at 810 nm has an FWHM of 10 nm, and absorption cross-sections are 5.81×10−20 cm2 for π-polarization and 7.47×10−20 cm2 for σ-polarization at 810 nm. The emission cross-sections at 1067 nm are 4.2×10−20 and 6.5×10−20 cm2 for π- and σ-polarizations, respectively. The quantum efficiency ηc is equal to 94.3%. To sum up the above results, Nd3+:Ca9Gd(VO4)7 crystal can be regarded as a highly efficient solid state laser material.