Growth and optical properties of YbxGd1−xAl3(BO3)4 single crystals with different Yb3+ concentration

Top seeded solution growth of ytterbium-doped gadolinium aluminium borate (Yb3+:GAB) crystals with different Yb3+ concentration (x = 0.125, 0.33, 0.509, and 0.74) is reported. The polarized absorption spectra, emission spectra, and fluorescence lifetime of 50.9 at.% Yb3+-doped GAB crystal were measured at room temperature. The X-ray powder diffraction proved that the structure of the 50.9 at.% Yb3+:GAB crystal is the same as the pure GAB crystal with space group R32. The spectroscopic parameters of the crystal were compared with those of low Yb3+-doped GAB crystal. The results show that the Yb3+:GAB crystals with high Yb3+ concentration are potential candidates for compact and efficient microchip laser media.