Investigation of nonlinear absorption in YAP and YAG single crystals doped with Co and co-doped with Si

Since our attempts to grow YAP:Co,Si non-linear absorbers have failed, we switched to Czochralski grown YAGs doped with the same ions. This time, however, the new material was found to exhibit excellent, non-linear absorption, which can be used directly in Q-switching elements in laser systems. In this work we report on technology of YAG single crystals doped with Co and Si, their optical properties, and, finally, on their non-linear absorption. An explanation on why the YAPs were found to be inefficient in non-linear absorption was also provided.