Composition, geometry and polarization influences on spectroscopic properties of Yb-doped LLnB (Ln= Y, Gd) monoclinic crystals

Characterizations of linear spectroscopic properties in polarized light have been performed for the highly-concentrated Yb-doped borate family Li(6)Ln(BO3)(3) (with Ln: Gd, Y, and labeled Yb:LLnB), in order to start to evaluate their potentiality for high-power laser applications. Modifications in spectral distributions and intensities are reported with respect to crystal orientation and polarization. Chemical composition and crystal shaping are discussed, pointing strong possible dependence with experimental conditions, which has to be considered so as to take sufficient precautions regarding the prediction of potential laser properties in such anisotropic laser crystals.