Thermal and laser properties of Yb:LuAG for kW thin disk lasers.

ABSTRACT

Thin disk laser experiments with YbLuAG (YbLu(3)Al(5)O(12)) were performed leading to 5 kW of output power and an optical-to-optical efficiency exceeding 60%. Comparative analyses of the laser relevant parameters of YbLuAG and YbYAG were carried out. While the spectroscopic properties were found to be nearly identical, investigations of the thermal conductivities revealed a 20% higher value for YbLuAG at Yb(3+)-doping concentrations of about 10%. Due to the superior thermal conductivity with respect to YbYAG, YbLuAG offers thus the potential of improved performance in high power thin disk laser applications.