Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) is a popular laser crystal widely used in various laser systems, especially for its high performance in diode-pumped solid-state lasers. It is known for its excellent optical properties and efficient laser output, making it a preferred choice for precision laser applications.
Properties of Nd:YVO4:
- High Gain and High Efficiency: Nd:YVO4 has a high absorption coefficient and a high gain bandwidth, which makes it very efficient, especially when pumped by laser diodes.
- Fast Emission: It exhibits a fast emission rate, which provides an advantage in generating high repetition rate pulses, ideal for precision laser marking and cutting.
- Polarization Dependence: The crystal has a strong polarization dependence of emission, which can be used to generate linearly polarized light, beneficial in many precision optical applications.
- Excellent Thermal Stability: Nd:YVO4 maintains good performance under varying thermal conditions, which is crucial for maintaining stability and efficiency in high-power applications.
Applications:
- Precision Material Processing: Nd:YVO4 lasers are extensively used in the electronics industry for precision engraving, cutting, and marking where high detail and accuracy are required.
- Medical Devices: Due to its precise control and effective output, it is used in various medical instruments for surgeries and treatments, particularly in dermatology and ophthalmology.
- Scientific Research: In research labs, Nd:YVO4 lasers are employed in spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, and photonics experiments due to their efficient and stable output.
- Optical Communications: The fast modulation capabilities and high beam quality of Nd:YVO4 make it suitable for optical communication systems.
The manufacturing of Nd:YVO4 crystals involves a precise doping process where Yttrium Orthovanadate is infused with neodymium ions at controlled concentrations. The growth of these crystals requires meticulous conditions to ensure high optical quality and uniformity, which are essential for the performance of the lasers. Nd:YVO4 continues to be a cornerstone in the development of high-performance diode-pumped lasers.
Shapeoptics is Able to Offer
- Nd dopand concentration from 0.15%～3% (mol%)
- Rod diameter from 1mm～35mm
- Length from 1mm～50mm
- Coating upon your request
Standard Specifications
| Dopant Concentration Tolerance | +/- 0.1% |
| Parallelism / arc seconds | < 10 |
| Perpendicularity / arc minutes | < 5 |
| Chamfer / mm | 0.1 @45℃ |
| Clear Aperture | 95% |
| Scratch and Dig | 20/10 or better |
| Surface Flatness | lambda/8 @633nm |
| Wavefront Distortion | lambda/8 @633nm |
| Damage Threshold / J.cm-2 | > 15 (TEM00, 10ns, 10Hz) |
Physical and Optical Properties
A
| Atomic Density (1% Nd) / atoms.cm3 | ~1.37 x 1020 |
| Crystal Structure | Zircon Tetragonal, Space group D4h-14/amd |
| Lattice Constants / A | a = b = 7.12; c = 6.29 |
| Density / g.cm3 | 4.22 |
| Mohs Hardness | 4 ~ 5 |
| Thermal Expansion / K-1 | aa = 4.43 x 10-6 @300K
ac = 11.37 x 10-6 @300K |
| Thermal Conductivity / W.m-1K-1 | 5.23 // c-axis, 5.10 c-axis |
| Lasing Wavelength / nm | 1064, 1324 |
| Thermal Optical Coefficient / K-1 | dno/dT = 8.5 x 10-6 @300
dne/dT = 2.9 x 10-6 @300 |
| Stimulated Emission Cross Section / cm2 | 25 x 10-19 @1064nm |
| Fluorescent Lifetime / s | 90 (1% Nd) |
| Absorption Coefficient / cm-1 | 31.4 @810nm |
| Intrinsic Loss / cm-1 | 0.02 @1064nm |
| Gain Bandwidth / nm | 0.96 @1064nm |
| Polarized Laser Emission | –Polarization, parallel c-axis |
| Diode Pumped Optical to Optical Efficiency | > 60% |
Neodymium doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) is the most efficient laser host crystal for diode pumped, solid-state lasers as well as low to middle power devices. We can offer Nd, Yb and no doped YVO4 laser crystals performing the specifications upon your request.
Shapeoptics offers a comprehensive range of materials and advanced equipment for custom and OEM optical components, leveraging over 20 years of expertise in manufacturing lenses, prisms, windows, and more. We utilize high-quality materials like UV and IR grade fused silica, Germanium, and ZnSe, among others. Our state-of-the-art techniques and equipment minimize waste and optimize delivery times. Our in-house capabilities include standard and custom coatings across the UV-NIR spectrum, ensuring high quality and compliance with all industry standards. For precision and reliability in optics, contact Shapeoptics for your next project.
