3D printed transparent ceramic YAG laser rods: Matching the core-clad refractive index
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) solid state laser gain media rods with an active Neodymium-doped core and an optically-clear cladding region were additively manufactured via direct-ink-writing (DIW), followed by sintering and hot isostatic pressing to form fully dense optical ceramics. Lutetium and Gadolinium were chosen as optically-inert co-doping ions in the clad to match the increase in refractive index caused by the Neodymium in the core. Additionally, either 11.6% Lutetium or 3.8% Gadolinium can be used to match the index change from 2% neodymium; however, differences in diffusion distances across the core-clad interface lead to large fluctuations in index in that region. These index fluctuations can be minimized either by matching dopants with similar diffusion distances, or by implementing a gradual gradient in the doping profile, possible through DIW, rather than a sharp compositional interface attainable via more standard fabrication methods. This improvement in index homogeneity resulted in a 40% improvement in lasing performance compared with that of a core-clad rod fabricated with a sharp interface between the doped and undoped regions.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC52-07NA27344; 16-SI-03
- OSTI ID:
- 1662046
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1811057
- Report Number(s):
- LLNL-JRNL-810284; 1016170
- Journal Information:
- Optical Materials, Vol. 107; ISSN 0925-3467
- Publisher:
- ElsevierCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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