Yb:YAG (Ytterbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) is a laser active crystal that is widely used in laser technology. It is a solid-state laser crystal that is composed of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) doped with the rare earth element ytterbium (Yb). Yb:YAG is a highly efficient laser material due to its high absorption and emission cross-section for the laser-active transition.
Yb:YAG lasers produce a laser beam in the near-infrared region, with a peak wavelength of around 1030 nm. The laser has a high energy-storage capacity, making it an excellent choice for Q-switched laser systems. It also has a high thermal conductivity and a low thermal lensing effect, which helps to reduce the heat generation in the crystal, making it a reliable laser material.
Yb:YAG is commonly used in medical applications, such as ophthalmic surgery and dermatology, due to its strong tissue absorption at the 1030 nm wavelength. It is also used in industrial applications, such as laser welding, laser cutting, and laser marking, due to its high power output and high efficiency.