Co:Spinel crystals | passive Q-switch and saturable absorber

Co:Spinel (Cobalt-Doped Spinel) Crystal — Saturable Absorber for Mid-IR Lasers

Co:Spinel (Co²⁺:MgAl₂O₄) is a cobalt-doped magnesium aluminate spinel crystal widely used as a passive Q-switch and saturable absorber for mid-infrared solid-state lasers, particularly in the 1.2–1.6 μm wavelength range. Owing to its broad absorption bandwidth, high optical damage threshold, and excellent thermal and mechanical stability, Co:Spinel is a preferred material for compact, high-power, and high-reliability laser systems.

Co:Spinel crystals are commonly integrated into Er:YAG, Tm:YAG, Ho:YAG, and Cr:ZnSe laser systems, enabling short pulse generation without the need for active electro-optic components. The robust spinel host provides superior hardness, chemical resistance, and long-term operational stability, even under high peak power conditions.

Key Features & Advantages

• Broad absorption band (≈1200–1600 nm)
• Excellent passive Q-switch performance
• High optical damage threshold
• Fast recovery time
• Superior thermal conductivity
• High mechanical strength & chemical stability
• No external electronics required

Typical Applications

• Passive Q-switches for Er:YAG / Tm:YAG / Ho:YAG lasers
• Mid-IR pulsed solid-state laser systems
• Compact and rugged laser sources
• Medical, industrial, and scientific laser platforms
• Defense and LIDAR laser systems

Available Specifications (Customizable)

• Crystal form: Round, square, or custom geometry
• Dimensions: Custom diameter, thickness, or slabs
• Doping concentration: Custom Co²⁺ levels
• Surface quality: Optical polish (laser-grade)
• Orientation: As-cut or orientation-controlled
• Coatings: AR coating available upon request

Why Choose Our Co:Spinel Crystals?

We provide research-grade and laser-grade Co:Spinel crystals with strict control over doping uniformity, optical quality, and surface finish. Custom dimensions, coatings, and specifications are available to support R&D laboratories, universities, and industrial laser manufacturers.