Optical characterization and evaluation of the laser properties of Yb3+-doped (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O3 single crystals

A Yb3+-doped mixed-perovskite single crystal (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O3 (LSAT) crystal is grown by the Czochralski method. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence lifetime of Yb3+ ions have been investigated, and the spectroscopic parameters of Yb:LSAT have also been calculated. This crystal exhibits a remarkably large ground-state splitting (about 1100 cm-1), a relatively long fluorescence lifetime (0.85 ms) and broad absorption and emission bandwidths. The results indicate that the Yb3+:LSAT crystal is a good candidate for diode-pumped ultrashort and tunable solid-state laser applications.