Yb:KGW and Yb:KYW – Laser crystals

Yb:KGW and Yb:KYW crystals are used as lasing materials to generate ultrashort high-power pulses. The crystals are typically pumped with diode lasers at around 980 nm due to the maximum           absorption band around this wavelength. A broad spectral emission band allows tuning of the laser radiation over the 1020–1060nm range.

Yb:KGW and Yb:KYW crystals have already been used for many years, but their performance strongly depends on where the materials were grown. Altechna works with selected material growers and has established a reliable production chain.

To minimize back reflection and improve pump/ lasing performance, broadband antireflective coatings are applied as a rule for all right-angle cut crystals. Coatings are typically made with e-beam and  ion-assisted deposition (IAD). However, sputtering technology could also be used if needed.

As a final touch, full metrology of crystals is carried out in our metrology lab.