Laser action from Yb3+ ions in the ferroelectric and paraelectric phases of strontium barium niobate

We report on continuous wave laser oscillation of trivalent ytterbium ions in the frequency converter Yb3+:Sr0.6Ba0.4Nb2O6 ferroelectric laser crystal. Pump induced thermal loading has been used to drive the crystal from its ferroelectric to paraelectric phase. Stable laser radiation at 1070nm was found in both phases while a bistable laser output is observed through phase transition. In addition, diffuse green (535nm) radiation was generated by self-frequency doubling of the fundamental laser radiation because of the random distribution of microferroelectric domains existing in the ferroelectric as grown crystal.