Compared to Nd3+:YAG crystals, the Nd3+:YVO4 crystal has much higher absorption and emission cross-sections, a broader gain bandwidth and wavelength range for pumping, a shorter upper-state lifetime, a higher refractive index, thus it is characterized by a lower thermal conductivity. Nd:YVO4 crystals are well suited for passively mode-locked lasers with high pulse repetition rates. A drawback of Nd:YVO4 lasers are that it is impossible to achieve pulse energies as high as it is achievable with Nd:YAG lasers at Q-switched operation, due to the lower upper-state lifetime and higher gain efficiency. In conclusion, Nd:YVO4 is better suited as an active medium of high pulse repetition rate Q-switched lasers and CW lasers with a lower lasing threshold.
Main features
High absorption and gain cross-sections
Strongly polarization dependent absorption and emission spectra (π-polarization is preferable)
Shorter (compared with Nd:YAG) upper-state lifetime
High optical quality and large diameter boules obtained by Czochralski growth method
Custom crystals available upon request
Application examples
High repetition rate Q-switched lasers for marking and engraving