Nd:YLF – Neodymium doped yttrium lithium fluoride

Nd Crystal Emission

The emission characteristics of Nd depend on the polarization. The main laser emission lines include:

• 1047 nm – the strongest lasing peak, with π polarization (a-axis)
• 1053 nm – lasing peak with σ polarization (c-axis)

Nd also provides emission lines at 1313, 1324, and 1370 nm, with emission wavelengths at approximately 1.05, 1.32, and 1.37 μm.

Features

• Absorption range of 790–810 nm
• Broad fluorescence bandwidth
• Weak thermal lensing
• Naturally polarized laser emission
• Suitable for high-energy, low-repetition-rate laser systems
• Soft and brittle material requiring careful handling

Nd vs. Nd

At low repetition rates, typically below a few kilohertz, Nd can be advantageous for applications requiring higher pulse energies than Nd.

Although Nd has lower thermal conductivity than Nd, it generally exhibits weaker thermal lensing and lower thermal distortion. This can be beneficial in high-energy pulsed laser systems.

Nd is sometimes selected as an alternative to Nd when its specific emission characteristics, polarization, or pulse-energy performance are advantageous.

Handling and Moisture Sensitivity

Compared with Nd, Nd is softer and more brittle and therefore requires more careful handling.

Nd is also sensitive to moisture and is soluble in water. Prolonged exposure to water can cause the crystal to deteriorate or dissolve. Particular care should therefore be taken when Nd is used in liquid-cooled laser systems or other environments where the crystal may be exposed to moisture.

YLF Doped with Other Materials

Yttrium lithium fluoride (YLF) crystals can be doped with various rare-earth elements to produce laser materials with different optical properties. Examples include:

• Praseodymium (Pr) – Pr
• Erbium (Er) – Er
• Holmium (Ho) – Ho
• Thulium (Tm) – Tm
• Ytterbium (Yb) – Yb

Applications of Nd

Nd is used as a gain medium in a variety of solid-state laser systems, including:

• Continuous-wave (CW) lasers
• Mode-locked lasers
• Q-switched lasers operating at low to medium repetition rates
• High-energy pulsed laser systems
• Ultrafast laser amplifiers operating at low to medium repetition rates

Nd for Laser Pumping and Amplification

Nd is used in a range of laser amplification systems, including:

• Ultrafast amplifiers operating at low to medium repetition rates, typically below 5 kHz
• Femtosecond Ti chirped-pulse amplification systems
• Nd amplifier systems, where Nd can be used as a laser gain medium or amplifier stage

Other Applications of Nd:YLF Lasers

Solid-state lasers using Nd:YLF as a gain medium are used in various applications, including:

• Synchronously pumped dye laser systems
• Free-space laser communication systems
• Pulse modulation systems
• Optical amplifiers
• Laser micromachining systems

3photon can supply Nd:YLF crystals for a wide range of laser applications and can provide customized crystal dimensions, coatings, and specifications according to system requirements.