Apr 25 2014
Neodymium-doped yttrium calcium oxyborate (Nd:YCOB) is an excellent self-frequency doubling crystal, which combines the non-linear properties of the YCOB matrix and photoluminescence features of the Nd3+ ions. It is a nonlinear optical crystal that is commonly used as an active laser medium.
It has a high damage threshold, good mechanical properties, large effective nonlinear coefficients, a wide transparency range, and non-hygroscopicity. All the properties of Nd:YCOB makes it very promising for laser applications.
An Nd:YCOB laser exhibits laser action at a wavelength of 666nm. During its operation, each neodymium ion replaces an yttrium ion in the YCOB crystal structure. Li et al. reported a diode-pumped Nd:YCOB self-frequency-doubling blue laser, with a maximum output power of 211mW, in the blue spectral region at 468nm.
Laser Properties
| Laser Properties |
| Laser type |
Solid |
| Pump source |
Laser diode |
| Operating wavelength |
~1.060µm |
Physical and Chemical Properties
| Operating Wavelengths |
| Chemical formula |
Nd:YCa4O(BO3)3 |
| Crystal structure |
Monoclinic |
| Melting point |
1510°C |
Applications
An Nd:YCOB laser is a self-frequency doubling laser that exhibits lasing action, which makes it suitable for second harmonic generation. It is also capable of simplifying the design of high brightness green lasers.
Sources and Further Reading