Growth and Characterization of Gadolinium Vanadate GdVO4 Single Crystals for Laser Applications

Authors:
  • KSKiyoshi Shimamura
    Kiyoshi Shimamura
  • SUSatoshi Uda
    Satoshi Uda
  • VKVladimir V. Kochurikhin
    Vladimir V. Kochurikhin
  • TTTetsuo Taniuchi
    Tetsuo Taniuchi
  • TFTsuguo Fukuda
    Tsuguo Fukuda
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We have successfully grown Nd3+-doped gadolinium vanadate ( Nd:GdVO4) single crystals by a modified Czochralski method in which a high temperature gradient was maintained at the interface during growth. Step faceting occurred during crystal growth and the cause of the faceting is discussed in relation to the growth conditions. Laser diode (LD) pumped laser oscillations were demonstrated. The Nd:GdVO4 single crystal showed superior lasing properties to Nd:YVO4 and Nd:YAG single crystals.