Single crystals with advanced laser properties LiCaAlF6:Ce3+ grown by Bridgman technique

The aim of this work is growth of LiCaAlF6:Ce3+ (Ce:LiCAF) crystals by Bridgman technique and study of spectroscopic and laser characteristics in UV spectral range. We report on growth of LiCaAlF6:Ce3+ (1.2 at.% in the melt) crystals with refractive index inhomogeneity not worse than Δn = 1.2 ∗ 10−5. The maximum absorption coefficient of Ce3+ ions appeared to be up to 7 cm−1 and maximum of slope efficiency of laser action as high as 47% in synthesized crystals was achieved.