What is a YAG single crystal?
YAG is yttrium aluminum garnet, Y3Al5O12. A YAG single crystal has a continuous crystal lattice rather than the grain boundaries of a polycrystalline ceramic. It can be undoped or contain selected dopants for optical, laser or color-related functions.
Is undoped YAG a laser gain medium?
No. Undoped YAG is a passive host material. Laser gain requires suitable active ions, such as Nd, Yb or Er, plus the correct pumping and resonator design. Specify the dopant rather than ordering only “YAG crystal.”
How do I choose between Nd:YAG and Yb:YAG?
Match the YAG dopant to your pump wavelength, target output, thermal load and laser architecture. Nd:YAG commonly supports 1064 nm operation; Yb:YAG is associated with output around 1030 nm. They are not drop-in replacements.
Does the color identify the YAG dopant?
No. Lighting, composition, oxidation state and defects influence appearance. A photograph cannot certify the active-ion species or concentration. Request a material description and agreed optical tests for your YAG grade.
Can colored YAG be used for gemstone cutting?
Colored YAG rough can be evaluated for decorative cutting. Check cracks, inclusions, usable volume and color before planning yield. Describe it accurately as synthetic YAG garnet, not natural garnet or diamond.
What information is needed for a YAG quotation?
Provide application, material grade, dopant and concentration if needed, dimensions or drawing, optical finish, coating, quantity and delivery destination. For colored YAG, add a color reference and clarity requirements.
Are the listed YAG properties guaranteed batch values?
No. The table gives typical host reference values. Temperature, doping, wavelength and processing can change performance. The accepted YAG purchase specification and agreed measurements define your supplied part.
Can I request custom YAG shapes and optical finishes?
Yes, you can submit a drawing for feasibility review. Dimensions, finish, coating and inspection are agreed individually. Company-wide processing capabilities are not automatic guarantees for every YAG geometry.
Why does the coating wavelength matter?
An antireflection coating must match the working wavelength, angle and polarization. A coating for one laser wavelength may not serve another. Include reflectance and laser-damage test conditions where relevant to your YAG component.
How should YAG crystals be handled?
Use clean gloves and protect polished faces and edges. Avoid impact, point loading and sudden temperature changes. Follow coating-specific cleaning advice; do not assume a cleaning solvent is safe for every YAG part.
What determines the YAG crystal price?
Grade, usable volume, dopant, optical quality, processing yield, coating and inspection all influence price. This page does not publish a verified price range. Request a configuration-specific YAG quotation.
Are these YAG materials in stock?
Gallery images do not establish current inventory. Ask our team to confirm the YAG grade, quantity and batch availability. Minimum order and lead time are included in the quotation when confirmed.