Growth and properties of RE:Zn:LiNbO3 crystals

Double-doped Nd:Zn:LN and Er:ZN:LN single crystals were grown by Czochralski method from a congruent melt. The optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of RE:Zn:LN were measured. The pumping wavelengths and the laser oscillation wavelengths of RE:Zn:LN were confirmed at the first time. The laser oscillation wavelength of Nd:Zn:LN is 1090 nm, which is longer by 30 nm than that of Nd:YAG and Nd:Mg:LN. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.