Laser characteristics of a new crystal Nd:Sr5(PO4)3F at 1.059 μm

The absorption spectrum of a new crystal Nd : Sr₅(PO₄)₃F or Nd : S-FAP, was measured, its two strong absorption peaks and broad effective absorption band showed that Nd : S-FAP can be appropriately pumped at 575 nm and 805.4 nm as well as with a xenon flashlamp. By using a tunable dye-laser (570.0~600.0 nm), a laser-diode (805 nm) and a xenon flash lamp as pump sources, respectively, the performance of a low threshold and high efficiency Nd:S-FAP laser at 1.059 (μm) (including pulse run, cw run, free-run and Q-switch run) has been demonstrated. The laser characteristics, such as the emission spectrum, the output energy, the output power, the pulse width, etc, were measured. In addition, the prospect of a Nd:S-FAP crystal for low-threshold high-efficiency miniature lasers is discussed.