Yb3+-doped CaF2-LaF3 ceramics laser.

Highly transparent ceramic is an attractive gain medium for high-power lasers due to its high fracture toughness, homogeneity, and size scalability. Here we report the first Yb3+-doped CaF2-LaF3 ceramics laser. Codoping of La3+ ion can reduce the formation of Yb2+ ions and enhance the laser efficiency. In the laser experiment, the maximum output power of 4.36 W and the maximum slope efficiency of 69.5% were obtained with a 3% La, 2% Yb sample and a 2% La, 1% Yb sample, respectively. Due to the combined properties of Yb:CaF2 and a ceramic laser gain medium, Yb:CaF2-LaF3 ceramic is a promising gain medium for a high-power ultrashort pulse laser and amplifier.