Spectroscopic properties and diode-pumped 1594 nm laser performance of Er:Yb:Li₆Y(BO₃)₃ crystal

An Er3+ /Yb3+ -codoped Li6Y(BO3)(3) crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The polarized absorption spectra and the fluorescence decay curve were recorded. The efficiency of energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+ ions was estimated. Quasi-continuous-wave output power of 325 mW at 1594 nm was realized under the absorbed pump power of 10.4 W in a hemispherical cavity. The absorbed pump threshold and slope efficiency of the laser are 6.0 W and 7.2%, respectively.