Brewster-cut Nd:YLF at 1053nm, 1047nm

YLF is birefringent, which eliminates thermally induced depolarization loss. The gain and the emission wavelength of Nd:YLF are polarization dependent: there is the stronger 1047nm ray for π polarization, and a weaker one at 1053nm for σ polarization. Nd:YLF provides alternative to the more common Nd:YAG laser crystal for near IR operation. The combination of weak thermal lensing effect (19 times lower than that of Nd:YAG), large fluorescence line width and naturally polarized oscillation makes Nd:YLF an excellent medium for CW, mode-lock operation, and Q-Switch operation at a moderate repetition rate (~ 1 kHz). The linear polarized beam is ideal for Q-switching and frequency doubling. The 1053 nm line well fits to the gain peak of Nd:glass, so Nd:YLF lasers can perform well as an oscillator or pre-amplifier for Nd:glass laser host.

The standard products are cut along a-axis of the crystal. The ends of the crystal are either Brewster angle cut or anti-reflection coated at 1053 nm (or 1047 nm).

WISOPTIC use high-purity raw materials, chemical reaction atmosphere and special equipment to grow high-quality Nd:YLF crystals, and provide Nd:YLF crystals selected to have low inhomogeneity over the whole aperture. Crystals with a diameter of 10 mm, length of 120 mm and inhomogeneity of 0.1-0.3×10-5 are available.

Main advantages of Nd:YLF over Nd:YAG

When repetition rate is low (less than few kilohertz), Nd:YLF is more suitable to get higher pulse energy than Nd:YAG. Nd:YLF has lower thermal conductivity, but still exhibits lesser thermal distortions.

Main disadvantages of Nd:YLF over Nd:YAG

However, main disadvantages over Nd:YAG is that Nd:YLF is much more soft and brittle and it is a little bit sensitive to water.

WISOPTIC Standard Specifications - Nd:YLF