Temperature dependence and optimization of 970-nm diode-pumped Yb:YAG and Yb:LuAG lasers

We have investigated the temperature dependence of output performances for 970-nm diode-pumped Yb:YAG (Yb(3+):Y(3)Al(5)O(12)) and Yb:LuAG (Yb(3+):Lu(3)Al(5)O(12)) lasers over the wide temperature range from 80 to 310 K. Temperature-optimized operation was experimentally demonstrated at around 160 K and was theoretically confirmed by taking into account the absorption spectra change of Yb crystals at low temperatures. Cooling the crystal to below 160 K caused a narrowing of the absorption bandwidth and led to a decrease in output power and efficiency.