Novel Molybdate Laser Crystal with a Layered Structure: Orthorombic Er3+:KY(MoO4)2

Potassium yttrium double molybdate crystals, 1.5 at.% Er
³⁺
:KY(MoO
₄
)
₂
, are grown by the Czochralski method. They are orthorhombic and feature a layered structure. The absorption and emission properties of Er
³⁺
ions are studied for polarized light. The maximum σ
_SE
= 0.81×10
^-20
cm
²
at 1617.7 nm for light polarization E || b. The Er
³⁺
:KY(MoO
₄
)
₂
crystals showing a perfect cleavage are promising for eye-safe microchip lasers.