Sol-gel synthesis of Yb-doped NaLu(WO4)2 films

Dense and (001)-textured thin films with composition NaLu1−xY bx(WO4)2 (x=0.01–0.5) have been prepared by multiple spincoating deposition of sol-gel synthesized solutions, followed by a sintering thermal annealing. Films with thickness above 1 μm are transparent and have photoluminescence properties similar to those of isostructural single crystals. The role of Yb composition, film thickness and purity of the raw Y b2O3 used on the Y b3+ fluorescence efficiency are discussed in relation to the application of the films as diode laser pumped solid-state laser media.