Growth of Ce-doped YLiF/sub 4/ and LuLiF/sub 4/ single crystals by the Czochralski method for UV laser applications

Recently, Ce-doped fluoride crystals have been studied for UV solid-state laser materials. Ce:YLiF/sub 4/ crystals are known as an ideal matrix in which a Y/sup 3+/ ion can be replaced by a Ce/sup 3+/ ion. Ce:LuLiF/sub 4/ has been reported as a new and more attractive UV laser host because of its reduced solarization effects. In this presentation, we report the growth of Ce:YLiF/sub 4/ and Ce:LuLiF/sub 4/ single crystals by the Czochralski method, as well as the optical properties of the grown crystals. The crystals were grown in a RF-heated Czochralski furnace equipped with high vacuum.