Diode-pumped laser operation of Pr3+:Ba(Y0.8Lu0.2)2F8 in the visible region

We report on, to the best of our knowledge, the first growth, spectroscopy, and laser operation of monocrystalline Ba(Y0.8Lu0.2)2F8 doped with 1.25 at.% of Pr3+ ions (Pr:BYLF). We studied the spectroscopic properties of this material, particularly in comparison with its isomorph Pr3+: BaY2F8 (Pr:BYF). Under diode-pumped excitation, we achieved continuous-wave laser operation in the orange, red, and deep red regions in the three possible crystal orientations. We obtained considerably improved laser performances and remarkably low passive losses, in comparison with Pr:BYF crystals and other fluorides, indicating that Pr:BYLF is an excellent host material in the visible region.