Spectroscopy and continuous wave laser performance of Yb³⁺:LuAlO₃ crystal

Crystal growth, polarized spectroscopic properties, lifetime measurements, and CW laser performance under diode pumping of a new Yb³⁺-doped LuAlO₃ crystal (Yb:LuAP) are reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The maximum absorption cross section of 6.6·10^-20  cm² at 978.5 nm was determined for E//c polarization. The radiative lifetime of F_5/22 manifold of Yb³⁺ ions in LuAP was measured to be 475 μs. CW laser action was demonstrated with output powers up to 9.6 W and slope efficiencies up to 84.5%. 82 nm tunability range was demonstrated for E//c polarization.