LD pumped high-power and efficient CW laser performance of EFG-grown Yb:Lu₂O₃ and Yb:Sc₂O₃ crystals

We report the growth, spectral properties, and laser performance of Yb³⁺-doped Sc₂O₃ and Lu₂O₃ crystals. The 3 at.% Yb:Sc₂O₃ crystal achieved a CW laser output power of 15.15 W at 1042 nm, with a slope efficiency of 75% and an optical-to-optical efficiency of 58.6%. The 4 at.% Yb:Lu₂O₃ crystal achieved a CW laser output power of 9.86 W at 1034 nm, with a slope efficiency of 65% and an optical-to-optical efficiency of 48%. Despite the lower Yb³⁺ doping concentration, Yb:Sc₂O₃ exhibited superior spectral and laser properties compared to Yb:Lu₂O₃.