Growth and properties of neodymium-doped terbium aluminum garnet crystal

Neodymium doped terbium aluminum garnet (Nd:TAG) crystal with dimensions of Ø30 × 90 mm was grown by the Czochralski method. The Nd:TAG crystal was characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, absorption and fluorescence spectra, and laser performance test. The strongest absorption peak is located at 808 nm. There are 3 main fluorescence emission peaks located at 1062, 1108, and 1332 nm, respectively. The prepared 3 at % Nd:TAG crystal was pumped by InGaAs laser diode, the pumping threshold was 360 mW, the highest laser output was 310 mW, the light-light conversion efficiency was 32.3% and the slope efficiency was 51.7%.