Er:YAG (Erbium doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is a laser active crystal used in solid-state lasers. It is a doped crystal material that consists of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) doped with erbium ions. The material is well-known for its excellent laser performance, especially in the mid-infrared region.
Er:YAG is used in applications such as medical and dental treatment, laser marking, and material processing. In medical and dental applications, Er:YAG is often used for skin resurfacing and for the treatment of conditions like periodontal disease. In laser marking, Er:YAG is used for surface marking on a variety of materials. In material processing, Er:YAG is used for cutting and drilling in industries such as electronics, automotive, and aerospace.
The main properties of Er:YAG include a high gain coefficient, high thermal conductivity, and high thermal stability, making it an attractive material for laser applications. The laser transition in Er:YAG occurs at a wavelength of 2.94 microns, making it ideal for use in the mid-infrared region. Additionally, Er:YAG has a high thermal conductivity, which helps to minimize thermal distortion in the crystal and improve laser performance.
Overall, Er:YAG is a versatile and useful laser active crystal that has a wide range of applications in various industries.