Growth of single crystal fibers of doped lutetia for laser applications

This talk highlights advances in the growth of new single crystal fiber materials with potential laser applications. Of particular interest are lutetia based single crystal fibers and Yb doped analogs. The Yb:Lu2O3 materials are attractive because the high thermal conductivity of Lu2O3 single crystals is not significantly reduced by doping with Yb in any concentration. The growth of faceted, single crystal 5-10% Yb:Lu2O3 fibers by LHPG is discussed. Also included are early attempts in hydrothermal single crystal cladding of undoped Lu2O3 onto the faceted core.