Spectral characterization and laser performance of a mixed crystal Nd:(LuxY1-x)3Al5O12.

An Nd-doped Lu(1.5)Y(1.5)Al(5)O(12) (Nd:LuYAG) crystal was obtained by Czochralski method. Absorption and emission spectra were recorded at low and room temperature. Continuous wave (CW) and passively Q-switched laser operations of Nd:LuYAG crystal were, to our knowledge, demonstrated for the first time. A CW output power of 1.67 W with slope efficiency of 39.8% was obtained. In the passively Q-switched operation, the shortest pulse width, largest pulse energy, and highest peak power were achieved to be 9.6 ns, 61.7µJ, and 6.4 kW, respectively, with Cr(4+):YAG crystals as the saturable absorbers.