Crystal growth, spectral and laser properties of Yb3+:NaGd(WO4)2 crystal

Yb 3+ -doped NaGd(WO 4 ) 2 (Yb:NGW) crystal has been successfully grown by Czochralski method. The rocking curves from (400) plane of as-grown Yb:NGW crystal was measured and the full-width values at half-maximum was 21″. The polarized absorption spectra, the fluorescence spectra and the fluorescence decay lifetime of Yb:NGW crystal were measured at room temperature. The spectroscopic parameters of Yb:NGW crystal are calculated and compared, with those of Yb:YAG crystal. A continuous wave output power of 3.01 W at 1048 nm was obtained with a slope efficiency of 71% by use of diode pumping.