Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO₄) is one of the most efficient laser host crystals for diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers, particularly in low- to mid-power applications. Thanks to its high absorption coefficient, large stimulated emission cross section, and strong polarization characteristics, Nd:YVO₄ is widely adopted in precision laser systems requiring high gain and stable output.
Key Properties of Nd:YVO₄
- High Gain & High Efficiency: Extremely high absorption at diode pump wavelengths and large emission cross section enable compact, efficient DPSS laser designs.
- Fast Emission Dynamics: Short fluorescence lifetime supports high-repetition-rate and fast-modulation laser operation.
- Strong Polarization Output: Naturally π-polarized emission (parallel to c-axis), eliminating the need for additional polarization optics.
- Good Thermal Stability: Maintains stable laser performance under varying thermal loads, suitable for continuous and pulsed operation.
Typical Applications
- Precision Material Processing: Fine engraving, cutting, and marking in electronics and micro-manufacturing.
- Medical Laser Devices: Dermatology, ophthalmology, and precision surgical instruments.
- Scientific & Photonics Research: Spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, and laboratory laser sources.
- Optical & Laser Communication Systems: High beam quality and fast modulation capability support advanced photonic applications.
Shape Optics Supply Capability
Nd Dopant Concentration
0.15% – 3.0% (molar %)
Available Dimensions
- Rod Diameter: 1 mm – 35 mm
- Length: 1 mm – 50 mm
Coatings
AR, HR, or custom coatings available upon request
Standard Optical & Mechanical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dopant Concentration Tolerance | ±0.1% |
| Parallelism | < 10 arc seconds |
| Perpendicularity | < 5 arc minutes |
| Chamfer | 0.1 mm × 45° |
| Clear Aperture | ≥ 95% |
| Scratch & Dig | 20/10 or better |
| Surface Flatness | λ/8 @ 633 nm |
| Wavefront Distortion | λ/8 @ 633 nm |
| Damage Threshold | > 15 J/cm² (TEM₀₀, 10 ns, 10 Hz) |
Physical & Optical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure | Zircon tetragonal (D₄h-14 / I4₁/amd) |
| Lattice Constants | a = b = 7.12 Å, c = 6.29 Å |
| Density | 4.22 g/cm³ |
| Mohs Hardness | 4 – 5 |
| Atomic Density (1% Nd) | ~1.37 × 10²⁰ atoms/cm³ |
Thermal & Laser Performance Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Lasing Wavelengths | 1064 nm, 1324 nm |
| Stimulated Emission Cross Section | 25 × 10⁻¹⁹ cm² @1064 nm |
| Gain Bandwidth | 0.96 nm @1064 nm |
| Fluorescence Lifetime | 90 µs (1% Nd) |
| Absorption Coefficient | 31.4 cm⁻¹ @810 nm |
| Intrinsic Loss | 0.02 cm⁻¹ @1064 nm |
| Polarization | π-polarized (‖ c-axis) |
| Optical-to-Optical Efficiency | > 60% |
Thermal Characteristics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Expansion (300 K) | aa = 4.43 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ ac = 11.37 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 5.23 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ (‖ c-axis) 5.10 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Thermo-Optic Coefficient | dno/dT = 8.5 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ dne/dT = 2.9 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ |
Laser System Compatibility
Nd:YVO₄ is widely used in:
- Diode-pumped solid-state lasers
- CW and pulsed lasers
- Q-switched and frequency-doubled systems
- Compact and integrated laser modules
Shape Optics supplies Nd-doped, Yb-doped, and undoped YVO₄ crystals, fully customizable to your optical, mechanical, and coating requirements.