The bulk crystal growth, spectral analyses and rate equation model of Yb,Er:SrLaGa3O7 crystal

• Published in: Journal of luminescence 2017-10, Vol.190, p.45-49
• Main Authors: Zhang, Baotong, Wang, Yan, Li, Jianfu, Liu, Yunyun, Zhu, Zhaojie, You, Zhenyu, Tu, Chaoyang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Crystal growth; Mid-infrared spectroscopy; Rate equation model; Yb,Er:SLGO single crystal
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2017.05.034

Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped SrLaGa3O7 (abbr. as Yb,Er: SLGO) bulk crystal with dimensions of Φ 20×30mm was grown successfully by the Czochralski (Cz) method. The absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as the fluorescence decay curves of Yb,Er: SLGO crystal were measured and investigated. The emission cross-section and fluorescence lifetimes have been obtained at the ~2.7µm wavelength. Based on Yb3+-Er3+ energy level diagrams, the rate equation model was built and discussed. It is found that 2.7–3.0µm emission has been improved in Yb,Er: SLGO crystal under excitation of 980nm, owing to the sensitization of the co-dopant Yb3+ and the resonant energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+. A noteworthy result is that Yb,Er: SLGO crystal is an excellent mid-infrared laser gain material. The bulk crystal of 5at% Yb3+ and 20at% Er3+ co-doped SrLaGa3O7 was grown successfully by the Czochralski method. The spectroscopic properties and the rate equation model were presented and analyzed systematically. [Display omitted]