Optical characterization and evaluation of the laser properties of Yb(3+)-doped (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O(3) single crystals.

A Yb(3+)-doped mixed-perovskite single crystal (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O(3) (LSAT) crystal is grown by the Czochralski method. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence lifetime of Yb(3+) ions have been investigated, and the spectroscopic parameters of Yb:LSAT have also been calculated. This crystal exhibits a remarkably large ground-state splitting (about 1100 cm(-1)), a relatively long fluorescence lifetime (0.85 ms) and broad absorption and emission bandwidths. The results indicate that the Yb(3+):LSAT crystal is a good candidate for diode-pumped ultrashort and tunable solid-state laser applications.