Lutetium effects on the UV absorption spectra of Nd:YAG

Spectroscopic observations were made on Lu:Nd:YAG and Nd:YAG laser materials. Variations in the UV absorption strengths are described and related to the presence of Lu
³⁺
. These results indicate that an optimum Lu/Nd ion ratio exists that will yield minimum absorption by the host over the wavelength range
0.4-0.24 \mu
m. The reduction in absorption will minimize nonuniform heating effects that should lead to better laser performance under certain conditions.