1 micrometer high-efficient radiation resistant laser crystal: Nd:YSAG

Highlights: • High-quality Nd:YSAG crystal was grown successfully by Czochralski method. • The structure of the as-grown crystal was unaffected after irradiated with different doses γ-ray. • Raman, absorption and fluorescence spectra all indicates the crystal with excellent radiation resistant property. • High-efficiency 1.06 μm laser was realized using irradiated crystal. -- Abstract: With the increased requirements of solid state lasers from some special areas, such as space craft, reactor inspection and high level radioactive waste detection, developing laser crystals with radiation resistant ability become more and more important. In this study, high quality Nd-doped Y₃Sc₂Al₃O₁₂ (Nd:YSAG) crystal was grown successfully by Czochralski method and its radiation resistant ability was evaluated. XRD and Raman spectrum characterization results indicate that the structure of the as-grown crystal remain unchanged after the irradiation of 20 Mrad gamma-ray. Besides, the highest decrease of the transmittance was only 5% for the crystal after the irradiation of 10 Mrad gamma-ray suggesting the excellent radiation resistant ability of the crystal. Importantly, the almost unchanged absorption at 808 nm and fluorescence properties for the crystal after the irradiation of 20 Mrad gamma-ray confirmed the excellent radiation resistant ability of Nd:YSAG crystal again. High efficient LD pumped 1.06 μm laser was realized in Nd:YSAG crystal and the slightly decreases of the laser efficiency after the irradiation indicate the crystal can be considered as a promising high efficient radiation resistant laser material for the application in harsh radiation environment.