Cr: YAG Laser 2 mm – 15 mm diameter or rectangular plates 0.2 mm – 5 mmt

Abstract of Cr:YAG

Cr:YAG (Chromium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet, Cr³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂) is a highly advanced laser crystal widely used as a passive Q-switch material in solid-state lasers, particularly for the 1.0–1.1 μm wavelength range. Its unique ability to act as a saturable absorber makes it invaluable for generating high-peak-power laser pulses in a compact and efficient manner.

Cr:YAG crystals have largely replaced traditional Q-switching techniques such as electro-optic and acousto-optic modulators in many commercial, industrial, and medical applications due to their simplicity, reliability, and compactness.

Optical Properties of Cr:YAG

The most important feature of Cr:YAG is its saturable absorption behavior, which enables it to passively Q-switch solid-state lasers. At low light intensities, Cr³⁺ ions absorb incoming photons; when the light intensity reaches a threshold (saturation fluence), the ions become transparent, allowing a sudden release of stored laser energy as a high-intensity pulse.

Applications of Cr:YAG

Cr:YAG is primarily used as a in diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) lasers. Below are common application areas:

1. Industrial Laser Systems

• Laser marking and engraving

• Micromachining of metals, ceramics, and plastics

• PCB cutting and micro-drilling

2. Medical and Aesthetic Lasers

• Dermatological applications (tattoo removal, pigmentation treatment)

• Laser surgery and ophthalmology

• Compact portable laser therapy systems

3. LIDAR and Remote Sensing

• Eye-safe pulsed laser sources

• Range finding and atmospheric measurement

4. Military and Aerospace

• Laser rangefinders

• Target designation systems

• Rugged, compact pulsed laser sources

5. Scientific and Academic Research

• Microchip lasers

• Seed lasers for amplification

• Nonlinear optics and harmonic generation studies

Advantages of Cr:YAG

Compared to other Q-switching methods, Cr:YAG offers several major benefits:

Passive operation

• No power supply or external driver needed

• Simpler system architecture

• Higher reliability

Compact and lightweight

• Ideal for miniaturized or handheld lasers

• Enables all-solid-state laser design

Long lifetime

• Inorganic, stable crystal

• Resistant to degradation over time

High damage threshold

• Tolerates high optical intensities

• Suitable for high-energy laser systems

Excellent thermal and mechanical properties

• Can operate at elevated temperatures

• Rugged for harsh environments

Other related products

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Wafer YAG Ingots Er:YAG Ce:YAG Nd:YAG Yb:YAG