Research on the magneto-optical performance of Gd3+ doped Tb3Al3Ga2O12 crystal

With the rapid development of high-power lasers, it is urgent to explore magneto-optical crystals suitable for high-power Faraday isolators. Hence, high-quality Gd3+ doped Tb3Al3Ga2O12 (Gd: TAGG) crystals are grown by the Czochralski method. X-ray diffraction proves its phase purity. Segregation coefficients for Gd3+ in Gd: TAGG crystals are measured to be about 0.97, which is favorable for the growth of large-size crystals. Laue back-reflection measurements and transmittance spectra suggest that the crystals have excellent optical properties and crystallinity. The Verdet constants of Gd: TAGG crystals are about 1.15–1.22 times that of Tb3Ga5O12. •The growth and properties of Gd3+ doped Tb3Al3Ga2O12 crystals were first reported.•The Verdet constants of Gd3+ doped Tb3Al3Ga2O12 crystals are larger than the commercial Tb3Ga5O12 crystal.•These Gd3+ doped Tb3Al3Ga2O12 crystals is suitable for visible near-infrared Faraday rotators.