Laser Crystals
Nd:YLF Laser Crystals
Nd:YLF provides naturally polarized laser emission at 1047 or 1053 nm. Crystal orientation and coatings are specified for the selected transition.
- Germany-based supplier and manufacturing partner
- Manufacturing to customer specifications
- Optical inspection and measurement against specified requirements
- From single components and prototypes to repeat supply
Product overview
Custom Nd:YLF rods and crystal components can be specified by Nd dopant concentration, crystal orientation, dimensions, end-face geometry, surface requirements, and wavelength-specific optical coatings.
Nd:YLF (neodymium-doped yttrium lithium fluoride) is a birefringent solid-state laser gain crystal with two principal laser transitions at 1047 nm and 1053 nm. The 1047 nm transition is π-polarized, while the 1053 nm transition is σ-polarized.
Nd:YLF combines a long upper-state lifetime with relatively weak thermal lensing and naturally linearly polarized output. These characteristics make it well suited for high-pulse-energy Q-switched laser systems and other applications where efficient energy storage and reduced thermal distortion are important.
Nd:YLF is used in CW, Q-switched and pulsed laser systems and can also support picosecond mode-locked operation. The 1053 nm transition closely matches the gain region of Nd-doped phosphate glass, making Nd:YLF particularly suitable for seed lasers and preamplifiers in Nd amplifier chains.
For existing Nd:YLF rods that need end-face work, see our laser rod repair and refurbishment service. Feasibility depends on the rod condition and required final specification.
Key advantages
- Naturally polarized emission at 1047 and 1053 nm
- Relatively weak thermal lensing and reduced thermally induced depolarization
- Long upper-state lifetime for efficient energy storage
- Relatively broad fluorescence linewidths
Typical applications
- High-pulse-energy Q-switched laser systems
- Continuous-wave Nd:YLF laser systems
- 1053 nm seed lasers and preamplifiers for Nd:glass amplifier systems
- Frequency-converted Nd:YLF laser systems
- LIDAR, laser ranging and remote-sensing systems
- Selected ophthalmic laser systems
View related products
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Nd:YVO₄ Laser Crystals
For compact 1064 nm diode-pumped lasers, with strong pump absorption, high gain, and polarized emission.
Cr⁴⁺:YAG Passive Q-Switch Crystals
Cr⁴⁺:YAG passive Q-switch crystals for selected 1 µm Nd- and Yb-doped lasers, with specified initial transmission, dimensions, and coatings.
RFQ PREPARATION
What to send for a quote
Please send your drawing or technical specification together with the following information.
- Required Nd dopant concentration and crystal orientation
- Component geometry, dimensions, and end-face configuration
- Surface quality, flatness and critical tolerances
- Coating requirements
- Required quantity