Spectral parameters of Nd-doped yttrium orthovanadate crystals

Nd-doped yttrium orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4, abbreviated as NYV) crystal has been grown using a modified Czochralski method. Its main structural parameters and optical and laser properties are all presented. The absorption spectrum of Nd3+ ions doped in NYV in a wavelength range from 190 to 900 nm and that of free Nd3+ ions in HCl solution of 0.2 mol in the range of 190–900 nm have both been measured. The width of the absorption band around 808 nm to match the laser diode pumping is about 28 nm, which is approximately three times broader than that of Nd-doped yttrium aluminum garnet crystal. The line intensity of the absorption spectrum of NYV has been calculated. The calculated luminescence parameters of NYV are also listed.