Title: Development of New CALGO/CALYO Crystals Doped with Yb, Ho, and Other Lanthanoids for High-Power Femtosecond Lasers
Research proposal No: 1.1.1.9/LZP/1/24/019
Duration: 01.03.2025.-29.02.2028.
Project Leader: Monika Skruodiene
Total budget: EUR 184 140
ISSP UL budget: EUR 9207
Project description:
The main aim of this postdoctoral research project is to develop new crystal materials, specifically CALGO (CaGdAlO4) and CALYO (CaYAlO4) doped with ytterbium (Yb), holmium (Ho), and other lanthanoids, for high-power femtosecond laser applications. The project will focus on growing these crystals using advanced crystal growth techniques such as Czochralski (CZ), Optical Floating Zone (OFZ), and Laser Floating Zone (LFZ) methods. The key objective of this proposed project is to optimize the crystal growth process, enhance the material properties, and evaluate the performance of these crystals in femtosecond laser applications. These materials are chosen due to their broad gain bandwidth, excellent luminescent properties at various wavelengths (1030 nm, 2000 nm, 2500 nm), and superior thermal conductivity, making them suitable for next-generation high-power lasers.
CALGO and CALYO are two crystal materials that have attracted interest in the field of laser technologies because of their properties. This crystal has outstanding thermal, spectroscopic and mechanical properties, which enable highly efficient and safe generation of continuous-wave radiation and ultrafast pulses with ever short durations. Also, these materials are known for their ability to act as host lattices for rare earth alloying materials, which improves their optical properties and extends their use in various applications.