Which gain medium is commonly used in Nd:YAG lasers?

The gain medium used in Nd:YAG lasers is neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet. This material is particularly effective because it provides the ideal environment for neodymium ions to emit laser light. Nd:YAG lasers operate at a wavelength of 1064 nm, which falls within the near-infrared spectrum, making them suitable for various applications such as laser welding, cutting, and medical procedures.

The unique properties of neodymium ions, when doped into the yttrium aluminum garnet crystal, allow for efficient energy transfer and lasing action. The solid-state nature of the gain medium contributes to the laser's durability and versatility, facilitating the use of different pumping methods, typically with flashlamps or diode lasers.

In comparison, other gain mediums listed, such as chromium-doped sapphire and carbon dioxide gas, are used in different types of lasers with varying wavelengths and applications, but not specifically in Nd:YAG lasers. Ytterbium-doped potassium titanyl phosphate serves its purpose in other laser configurations but does not apply here either. Therefore, the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet stands out as the commonly used gain medium for Nd:YAG lasers due to its optimal characteristics for laser