Yb:CaF₂ – Laser crystal

Alkaline-earth fluorides, which can be easily grown using the standard Czochralski or Bridgman technique, show a wide optical transmission range, a low level of dispersive behavior, and limited          nonlinear effects under intense laser irradiation.

It was recently shown that a single Yb:CaF₂ crystal can be grown to diameters of up to about 200mm, which can be used for high-energy short-pulse lasers with centimeter-sized apertures.