Nd:YVO4 Crystals and Components

Nd:YVO4 is the most efficient laser host crystal for diode pumping among the current commercial laser crystals, especially, for low to middle power density. This is mainly for Nd:YVO4's absorption and emission features surpassing Nd:YAG. Pumped by laser diodes, Nd:YVO4 crystal has been incorporated with high NLO coefficient crystals (LBO,BBO,or KTP) to frequency-shift the output from the near infrared to green, blue, or even UV.

This incorporation to construct all solid state lasers is an ideal laser tool that can cover the most widespread applications of lasers, including machining, material processing, spectroscopy, wafer inspection, light displays, medical diagnostics, laser printing, and data storage, etc. It has been shown that Nd:YVO4 based diode pumped solid state lasers are rapidly occupying the markets traditionally dominated by water-cooled ion lasers and lamp-pumped lasers, especially when compact design and single-longitudinal-mode outputs are required.

Ulticrystal's Nd:YVO4 is featured by：

• High Optical Gain: Nd:YVO4 exhibits a high optical gain coefficient, which translates into stronger laser output under identical pumping conditions. This characteristic lowers the laser’s pump threshold and enhances its conversion efficiency, thereby conserving energy and reducing costs.
• Excellent Thermal Stability: The crystal possesses low thermal lensing effects and high thermal conductivity, enabling it to maintain good thermal stability even under high-power pumping. Thermal stability is crucial for long-term stable operation of lasers, particularly in high-power and continuous-wave modes.
• High Degree of Polarization: Unlike some other laser crystals, Nd:YVO4 emits laser light with a high degree of polarization, primarily in a single polarization state. This characteristic is beneficial for numerous applications that require specific polarization states, such as laser processing, measurement, and communication.
• High Slope Efficiency: Slope efficiency, a key performance indicator of lasers, reflects the rate of increase in laser output power with the pump power. Nd:YVO4 typically exhibits high slope efficiency, meaning its output power grows rapidly with increased pump power, enhancing the overall performance of the laser.
• Wide Gain Bandwidth: The relatively wide gain bandwidth of Nd:YVO4 allows for laser emission over a broader wavelength range. This feature provides more flexibility for laser tuning and wavelength conversion, expanding the application scope of the laser.
• Compact Design: Due to its high gain coefficient and low thermal lensing effects, Nd:YVO4 enables efficient laser output in a compact volume. This facilitates the design of smaller and lighter lasers, enhancing their portability and flexibility.
• Good Mechanical and Chemical Stability: Nd:YVO4 crystal boasts high hardness and corrosion resistance, enabling stable performance under harsh environments. This mechanical and chemical stability ensures reliable operation of Nd:YVO4 lasers in various complex settings.
• Frequency Doubling Capability: When combined with nonlinear crystals, Nd:YVO4 crystals can generate multiple wavelengths, enabling the creation of lasers emitting green, blue, and red light for diverse applications in displays and scientific research.

About the YVO4's Applications Case:

• Solid-State Lasers: Nd:YVO4 crystals are commonly used as the gain medium in solid-state lasers. They are particularly suitable for compact and efficient laser systems used in industrial cutting, welding, engraving, and marking applications.
• Medical Lasers: In medicine, Nd:YVO4 lasers are utilized for procedures such as dermatology (skin treatments like tattoo removal), ophthalmology (laser eye surgery), and dentistry (soft tissue surgery). Their ability to emit at specific wavelengths makes them effective for precise tissue interaction.
• Scientific Research: Nd:YVO4 crystals are employed in research laboratories for spectroscopy, microscopy, and other optical experiments. Their high optical efficiency and ability to generate high-power output are beneficial for studying materials and biological samples.
• Frequency Conversion: When combined with nonlinear optical crystals, Nd:YVO4 crystals can be used to generate multiple wavelengths through processes like frequency doubling (SHG) or sum frequency generation (SFG). This capability is essential in applications requiring different laser wavelengths such as in display technologies and scientific instrumentation.

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	Notes
	»| We develop a new diffusion bonding series(Nd:YVO 4 +KTP) for very cmpact design of diode pumped green lasers. Please refer to Diffusion Bonding Crystals Modules Section for more information.
	»| Custom size is available upon requested.