Spectral properties and laser performances of Yb3+:LaCa4O(BO3)3 crystal with high concentration doping

•Yb3+:LaCa4O(BO3)3 single crystal was grown with high concentration doping.•Laser potentiality was evaluated based on the spectral and laser parameters.•Continuous wave laser operation was realized.•An output power of 0.77W and a slope efficiency of 15.71% at 1077nm were obtained.•The spectra and laser properties of Yb3+:LaCa4O(BO3)3 crystal were firstly reported. High concentration of 15at.% Yb3+ doped LaCa4O(BO3)3 (LaCOB) crystal was grown by Czochralski technique. The absorption cross section was conclulated to be 0.63×10−20cm2 at 977nm and the emission cross section to be 0.39×10−20cm2 at 1030nm, with the FWHM of 6.15 and 33nm respectively. Laser potentiality was evaluated based on the gain cross section σg, the minimum inversion fraction βmin and the minimum pump intensity Imin, which were calculated to be 0.18×10−20cm2, 0.05 and 0.47kw/cm2, respectively. Continuous wave laser operation was realized with an output power of 0.77W and a slope efficiency of 15.71%. The laser emitted around 1077nm. The radiation trapping and continuous pump mode are contributed to the lasing wavelength for present crystal.