Optical, magnetic susceptibilities and magneto-optical properties of neodymium doped Tb3Ga5O12 with meliorated properties for near-infrared optical isolators

High optical quality Tb3-xNdxGa5O12 (TNGG) single crystal has been grown by Czochralski technique. The absorption spectrum in the wavelength range of 300-1600 nm has been measured at room temperature, as well as the weak absorption at 1064 nm, and the spectral characteristics were analyzed in detailed. Results show a superior transparency in the near-infrared region. Thermal conductivity and laser induced damage threshold (LIDT) measurements were carried out to check its potential usage. Magnetic properties of the as-grown crystal were studied and showed paramagnetism. The magneto-optical properties were studied and the specific Faraday rotation of the as-grown crystal was measured at 1064 nm wavelength. The Verdet constant and magneto-optical figures of merit (V/alpha) calculated are 41 rad m(-1) T-1 and 2.56 x 10(2) rad/T at 1064 nm, which are both larger than that of commercial TGG (2.44 x 10(2) rad/T). The results indicated that the TNGG shows a superior properties than that the commercial TGG and could be a promising candidate magneto-optical material in the wavelength of 900-1450 nm. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.