Abstract

The cubic rare-earth doped sesquioxides are known for their excellent thermal properties, high cross sections, and the possibility for high doping concentrations of the active ion. The combination of the low Stokes-shift of the ytterbium ion with the thin-disk laser geometry [1], which is one of the most sophisticated laser designs for power scaling [2], allows for an excellent beam quality and optical efficiency. Thus, up to laser output powers in the kW-range, Yb-doped sesquioxides could even be superior to the standard thin-disk laser material Yb:YAG. Due to the relatively broad emission bands there is also a great potential for mode-locked laser operation of Yb-doped sesquioxides [3-5]. However, the very high melting temperatures of about 2500°C hindered the production of crystalline material with a sufficient quality in the past [6].

© 2009 IEEE