Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate Description
Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) is a crystal that is widely used in solid-state lasers. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and has the chemical formula YVO4.
Nd:YVO4 is a highly efficient laser crystal due to its excellent thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. The neodymium (Nd) dopant is added to provide a lasing transition at a wavelength of around 1064 nanometers, which is in the near-infrared region. This makes Nd:YVO4 an ideal material for producing high-power, continuous-wave, and pulsed lasers.
Nd:YVO4 is extensively used in various applications, including telecommunications, materials processing, medical procedures, spectroscopy, and scientific research. It offers high absorption and emission cross-sections, low threshold for lasing, high gain, and good beam quality.
Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) Specification
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Dopant Concentration
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Nd: 0.1 - 3.0 atm%
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Wavefront Distortion
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< λ/8 at 633 nm
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Orientation
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±0.5 deg.
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Dimensional Tolerance
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±0.1mm
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End-faces Configuration
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Plano/Plano
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Surface Quality
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10/5 Scratch/Dig per MIL-O-13830B
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Flatness
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λ/10 at 633 nm
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Clear Aperture
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> Central 90%
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Parallelism
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< 10 arc sec.
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Coating:
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AR or HR coating
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Notes:
1. To inquire or order a finished crystal, please provide specifications as listed above. For most applications, we only need to know the following:
1) Nd-dopant concentration; 2) Sizes; 3) Surface quality; 4) Coating.
2. For special requests, please provide a detailed specification for evaluation and fabrication.
Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) Application
1. Solid-state lasers: Nd:YVO4 is frequently used as an active medium in solid-state lasers operating in the near-infrared range. Due to its high absorption and emission cross-sections, it can generate a powerful laser beam with high efficiency. These lasers find applications in medical procedures, communications, material processing, and scientific research.
2. Optical amplifiers: Nd:YVO4 crystals can be used as optical amplifiers in fiber-optic communication systems. By introducing a pump laser, it can amplify weak optical signals, thereby improving the transmission distance and signal quality.
3. Electro-optic devices: Nd:YVO4 crystals exhibit a large electro-optic coefficient, enabling their use in devices such as modulators and switches. These devices are used in telecommunications, optical computing, and other fields that require fast control of light.
4. Spectroscopy: The neodymium ion in Nd:YVO4 has a broad absorption band in the visible and near-infrared range, making it useful in spectroscopic applications. It enables the study of various materials by measuring their absorption and emission spectra.
5. Opto-optical devices: Nd:YVO4 can be employed in devices that manipulate the polarization of light, such as wave plates and polarizers. These devices are used in optical communications, imaging systems, and other applications requiring polarization control.
6. Q-switching: Nd:YVO4 crystals have fast response times and can act as effective Q-switches in solid-state lasers. Q-switching allows for the generation of short, high-power laser pulses, which find applications in micromachining, laser surgery, and range finding.
Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) Package
Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) are securely packaged in moisture-resistant, anti-static, and shock-absorbing materials. Custom packaging options, such as cleanroom packaging, are also available for sensitive applications.
Neodymium-doped Yttrium Orthovanadate (Nd:YVO4) FAQs
Q1 What wavelengths are generated by Nd:YVO4 lasers?
Nd:YVO4 lasers typically emit light at:
- 1064 nm: Common for industrial and medical applications
- 1342 nm: Used in specific scientific and optical applications
- 532 nm (via frequency doubling): Green lasers for precision work and display technologies
Q2 What are the advantages of Nd:YVO4 compared to Nd:YAG?
- Higher absorption efficiency: Allows smaller pump sources and better efficiency
- Higher emission cross-section: Results in more efficient lasing
- Compact size: Ideal for diode-pumped laser systems
- Better beam quality: Suitable for high-precision applications
Q3 Are Nd:YVO4 crystals suitable for Q-switched laser systems?
Yes, Nd:YVO4 crystals are highly compatible with Q-switched laser systems, delivering high peak power and excellent beam quality.
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