Why is ytterbium used in lasers?

Most modern SLM systems use ytterbium (Yb) fiber laser as the heat source as it is reliable and compact with low maintenance. The Yb laser typically has a wavelength of 1064 nm.

An ytterbium-doped fiber laser with narrow linewidth is the essential tool for second harmonic generation to generate visible light, sensing, component testing.

BeamQ CW Ytterbium Fiber Laser 1064nm 1-10W .

The CW fiber lasers ≤100 W typically have fixed wavelength. Most fiber lasers allow you to select the wavelength over a certain range. For Ytterbium fiber lasers, the typical wavelength range is 1030-1090 nm , Yb CW fiber lasers in the range 978-1020 nm are also available; for Erbium lasers the range is 1535-1565 nm; for Thulium lasers the range is 1.9-2.05 µm. Green lasers operate near 532±18 nm. Raman-shifted lasers can supply emission in the near infrared in the 1.1-1.8 µm range and in the visible from green to red.

Ytterbium Fiber Lasers | Coherent

thorlabs Ytterbium Femtosecond Fiber Lasers, 1030 nm or 1035 nm .

The main differences between CW lasers and pulsed lasers is their power output. Pulsed lasers can produce high peak power, while their average power is relatively low. While the CW lasers produce continuous power. Because of these different power outputs, lasers have many diverse applications.