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BGO single crystals doped with Er3+, Tm3+ and Ho3+ rare-earth ions were prepared in the form of rod-type crystal fibers via the micro-pulling down technique to perform an extensive investigation of their visible, near- and mid-infrared luminescence properties and to really decide on their interest as solid-state laser media in the various spectral domains. Revisiting and completing the absorption spectra already available in the literature led to the derivation of more reliable "effective" radiative lifetimes and branching ratios. Registration of the fluorescence decays of the most important emitting levels versus dopant concentrations led for the first time to an unambiguous determination of "intrinsic" emission lifetimes – corresponding to negligible contributions from inter-ionic energy-transfers - and non-radiative multiphonon relaxation rates. Such data also allowed for the determination of the dominant phonon energy which comes into play in the electron-phonon coupling responsible for these multiphonon relaxation processes and for its lattice vibration origin, i.e. a high phonon energy of the order of 820 cm−1 corresponding to the coupling between bending vibrations of (GeO 4)4- tetrahedra and vibrations corresponding to motions of these (GeO 4)4- tetrahedra against the Bi3+ ions for which the rare-earth dopant ions substitute. Using the above data and different methods for the calibration of the registered emission spectra in cross section unit and for the derivation of gain cross section curves finally show that mid-infrared emissions of Er:BGO, Tm:BGO and Ho:BGO around 1.55 μm, 1.9 μm and 2 μm, respectively, occur with comparable gain cross sections as in the most important reference mid-infrared laser materials, although over slightly shifted thus complementary spectral domains. It is shown that potentialities also exist with Tm:BGO in the blue, deep-red and near-infrared spectral domains around 470 nm, 800 nm and 1.45 μm, by pumping the crystals with conventional pump sources and using some suitable co-dopants to avoid detrimental self-terminating processes. • Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 rod-type crystal fibers doped with Er3+, Tm3+ and Ho3+ ions are successfully grown by using the micro-pulling down technique. • An extensive spectroscopic investigation is performed from the near-UV to the mid-infrared. • Effective radiative and intrinsic emission lifetimes are unambiguously determined for all the important emitting levels. • The origin and the energy of the phonons responsible for the non-radiative multiphonon relaxation of the emitting levels are clearly identified. • Emission and gain cross section spectra show the interest of Er3+, Tm3+ and Ho3+ doped BGO crystals for the high power mid-infrared laser application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence time of a mixed sesquioxide Nd:LuYO 3 ceramic were measured at room temperature. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to calculate the spectral parameters of Nd:LuYO 3. The absorption cross section at 812 nm was calculated to be 0.99 × 10−20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 47.69 nm. The emission cross-section at 1077 nm was calculated to be 5.24 × 10−20 cm2 with FWHM of 11.62 nm. The fluorescence lifetime and quantum efficiency of the 4F 3/2 multiplet were determined to be 228.4 μs and 85.2%, respectively. Continuous-wave (CW) laser operation of Nd:LuYO 3 ceramic was demonstrated. Simultaneous laser operation at 1075.24 and 1080.03 nm was achieved with maximum output power of 490 mW and slope efficiency of 6.36%. • Nd:LuYO3 ceramic was fabricated by solid-state reaction. • Judd-Ofelt theory was used to analyze the spectroscopic properties of Nd:LuYO 3 ceramic. • CW laser operation was performed and output power of 490 mW at the absorbed power of 9.1 W is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 single crystal was successfully grown by the Czochralski method. The crystal structure, polarized absorption spectra and polarized emission spectra of Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 crystals were investigated. By using the Judd–Ofelt approach, the intensity parameters Ω 2,4,6 , spontaneous transition rate, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes were calculated. Diode-end-pumped continuous-wave Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 lasers have also been investigated by establishing a simple and compact plane-concave cavity with four differently coated output couplers. Four different lasing wavelengths at about 2029 nm, 2000 nm, 1966 nm and 1888 nm have been achieved with maximum output power and slope efficiency of (1.98 W, 15.1%), (5.89 W, 46.2%), (6.92 W, 54.9%) and (5.54 W, 44.7%), respectively. The results in regard to the broad emission spectra and good laser performance show that the Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 mixed crystal could be very promising for broadband tunable and/or femtosecond ultrafast laser generation in the important 2-μm spectral region. • Tm:CaY 0.9 Lu 0.1 AlO 4 crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. • The crystal structure, polarized spectra were investigated. • The maximum output power of 6.92 W with slope efficiency 54.9% was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YScO 3 single crystal co-doped with Ho3+ and Pr3+ ions has been successfully grown by the Czochralaki method. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence decay curve were measured at room temperature. The absorption cross section of Ho,Pr:YScO 3 at 649 nm and 1130 nm was calculated to be 0.93 × 10−20 cm2 and 0.32 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory was performed to evaluate the spontaneous emission probabilities and the radiative lifetimes. Ho,Pr:YScO 3 exhibited strong emission at 2040 nm and 2890 nm with a emission cross section of 0.80 × 10−21 cm2 and 1.22 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of the Ho3+:5I 6 and 5I 7 levels were calculated to be 0.31 ms and 5.89 ms, respectively. All the results indicate that the Ho,Pr:YScO 3 crystal could be a potential laser material for 2.9 μm laser operation. • Ho3+,Pr3+ co-doped YScO 3 was grown by the Czochralski method. • The crystal structure, absorption and emission spectra were investigated. • The effect of Pr3+ on the spectroscopic properties of Ho3+ was evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped calcium niobium gallium garnet (Tm:CNGG) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The crystal structure, absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of Tm:CNGG crystals were investigated. The absorption and emission bandwidths of Tm:CNGG crystals are larger than those of other Tm3+ doped garnet crystals, which will be beneficial for laser diode (LD) pumping and ultrashort pulse generation. Additionally, continuous wave (CW) laser operation around 2 μm was achieved in the 2.0 at.% Tm:CNGG crystal by LD pumping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The luminescence properties of 0.5%Pr-doped BGO crystals grown by using the micro-pulling down technique were carefully investigated. Room temperature absorption spectra were registered and analyzed within the framework of the Judd-Ofelt formalism and the best fit to the data is obtained by using a modified treatment allowing for the admixture of intensity enabling wave-functions. The results indicate 3P 0 and 1D 2 radiative lifetimes of about 5.7 μs and 79 μs, in perfect agreement with the time-constants derived from the measured fluorescence decays at room and liquid-nitrogen temperatures. Registration of time-resolved emission and excitation spectra and calibration of the 3P 0 emission spectrum in cross section unit clearly indicate that Pr-doped BGO could be the first isotropic crystalline material leading to efficient diode-pumped laser operation at room temperature with laser performances, at least in the deep-red spectral region, comparable to that found with the most important anisotropic Pr-doped fluoride and oxide crystals. • Pr:Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 crystal fibers are successfully grown by micro-pulling down. • Absorption spectra are analyzed by using the Judd-Ofelt formalism. • Emission, excitation spectra are registered from the near-UV to the deep-Red. • It is found a 3P0 emission lifetime of 5.7 μs for a quantum yield close to 1. • Record emission cross-sections are obtained in the red and deep-red. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Eu3+-doped Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (BGO) single crystal with the size of Ø2 × 83 mm3 was successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down method. The absorption cross section, emission cross section and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Eu:Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (Eu:BGO) were reported for the first time. The absorption cross-section is 1.03 × 10−20 cm2 with full-width at half-maximum of 3.1 nm at around 393 nm. The spectroscopic intensity parameter Ω t (t = 2,4,6), radiative transition probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were obtained, respectively. Furthermore, the stimulated emission cross-section centered at 611 nm was calculated to be 6.32 × 10−21 cm2. The fluorescence lifetime of 5D 0 level was obtained to be 1.51 ms. The results indicate that Eu: BGO single crystal could be a potential laser host in the visible range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nd3+-doped Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (Nd:BGO) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curve have been measured at room temperature. The absorption cross section is about 1.39 × 10–20 cm2 at around 808 nm for 0.3 at% Nd:BGO. The Judd–Ofelt theory has been applied to calculate the intensity parameters, and three spectroscopic parameter Ω t (t = 2,4,6), radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetime and branching ratios were calculated. The stimulated emission cross-section of 4F 3/2 →4I 11/2 transition at 1064 nm was obtained to be 3.29 × 10–20 cm2 for 0.3 at% Nd3+-doped BGO crystal. The fluorescence lifetimes of 0.3 at% and 1.0 at% neodymium-doped BGO crystals were measured to be 288 μs and 242 μs, respectively. Those results indicate that Nd3+-doped BGO crystal grown by the μ-PD method would be a potential laser medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Floating zone technique was used to grow high-quality Cr3+:YScO 3 crystals. The absorption cross-sections of the 4A 2 →4T 1 transition and 4A 2 →4T 2 transitions were calculated to be 1.71 × 10−20 cm2 at 488 nm and 0.72 × 10−20 cm2 at 666 nm, respectively. The crystal field strength Dq, Racah parameters B, and C were calculated to be 1502 cm−1, 533 cm−1, and 3362 cm−1, respectively. In the Cr3+:YScO 3 crystal, the effective phonon energy and Huang-Rhys factor S were calculated to be 284 cm−1 and 8.62, respectively. The emission cross-section at 988 nm corresponding to the 4T 2 →4A 2 transition was calculated to be 1.44 × 10−20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 318 nm. All the results show that Cr3+:YScO 3 crystal has the potential to be a tunable and ultrafast laser crystal. • Cr:YScO 3 crystals were successfully grown by the Floating zone technique(FZ) method. • Broad emission spectrum with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 318 nm in Cr:YScO 3 crystals was observed. • Spectral properties and crystal field parameters of Cr:YScO 3 crystals were investigated and analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho3+-doped CaYAlO 4 (Ho:CALYO) crystal fibers have been successfully grown from the melt by the micro-pulling-down (μ -PD) technique for the first time. The polarized absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and lifetime decay curves were measured at room temperature. The most intense emission of 2 at.% Ho:CALYO crystal fiber appears at 2072 nm with the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 181.1 nm for σ polarization and at 2022 nm with FWHM of 199.4 nm for π polarization, respectively. The decay lifetimes of 5I 7 state of Ho:CALYO crystal fibers with different holmium concentration were calculated. All the results show that Ho:CALYO crystal fiber has potential as a laser gain medium for ultrashort and tunable Mid-infrared laser system. • Ho:CaYAlO 4 shaped crystal fibers with different Ho3+ concentration were grown using by the micro-pulling-down method. • The effect of Ho3+ concentration on the spectroscopic properties of Ho:CaYAlO 4 crystal fibers was studied. • Ho:CaYAlO 4 crystal fibers have large FWHMs of fluorescence spectra, which is better for tunable and short pulse laser output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pr 3+ -doped YAlO 3 (YAP) single crystal was successfully grown by the Czochralski (Cz) method. Polarized absorption and polarized fluorescence spectra were measured at the room temperature. The spectroscopic parameters based on the polarized absorption spectra were calculated by Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory for the first time. The fluorescence lifetime of 3 P 0 energy level was fitted to be 19.16 μs with the quantum efficiency of 95.8%. Through the analyzing of the spectroscopic properties, Pr:YAP crystal was demonstrated to be a promising candidate for solid state laser operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarization absorption spectra of Pr3+-doped GdScO 3 have been measured. Polarized emission spectra and fluorescence decay from the 3P 0 upper level have been investigated. The strongest absorption peaks are located at 448 nm for a, b and c polarization, the absorption cross sections are 1.29 × 10−20 cm2, 0.98 × 10−20 cm2 and 1.57 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The maximum emission cross section is located at 662 nm, which is 18.55 × 10−20 cm2 (a polarization), 12.74 × 10−20 cm2 (b polarization) and 22.41 × 10−20 cm2 (c polarization), and the FWHM is 10.02 nm, 9.38 nm and 10.14 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of 3P 0 level is 12.39 μs. Those results indicated that Pr3+-doped GdScO 3 crystal grown by the Czochralski method is a potential laser medium for visible laser operation. •The spectra of Pr:GdScO 3 have been measured at room temperature. •Pr3+-doped GdScO 3 crystal is a potential laser medium for 662 nm laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho3+-doped CaY 0.9 Gd 0.1 AlO 4 single crystal was successfully grown by the Czochralski technique for the first time. The polarized absorption spectra, polarized luminescence spectra and fluorescence decay curve of the crystal were investigated at room temperature. The spectroscopic parameters are calculated based on Judd–Ofelt theory, the values of Ω 2,4,6 were calculated to be 3.16 × 10−20 cm2, 3.93 × 10−20 cm2, 0.91 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The Ho:CaY 0.9 Gd 0.1 AlO 4 crystal exhibits strong emission at 2013 nm for π- and 2032 nm for σ-polarizations with stimulated emission cross section of 6.64 × 10−20 cm2 and 1.90 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of the 5I 7 level was measured to be 6.60 ms. The continuous-wave (CW) laser operation of Ho:CaY 0.9 Gd 0.1 AlO 4 crystal around 2 μm was demonstrated. • Ho3+-doped CaY 0.9 Gd 0.1 AlO 4 single crystal was successfully grown by the Czochralski technique for the first time. • The emission cross-section at 2013 nm and 2032 nm are 6.64 × 10−20 cm2 and 1.90 × 10−20 cm2 for π- and σ-polarizations respectively. • The continuous-wave (CW) laser operation of Ho:CaY 0.9 Gd 0.1 AlO 4 crystal around 2 μm was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho3+ and Eu3+ co-doping GdScO 3 crystal was successfully grown by special EFG method. The spectroscopic properties of the crystal were measured and analyzed. The absorption cross section was calculated to be 2.027 × 10−20 cm2 at 1161 nm. The J-O theory intensity parameters Ω t (t = 2, 4, 6), radiative transition rates, fluorescence branching ratios and radiative lifetimes were calculated. The Ho,Eu:GdScO 3 crystal has very strong emission at 2869 nm and the emission cross section was 13.524 × 10−21 cm2. The fluorescence lifetimes of the 5I 7 and 5I 6 levels were measured to be 4.457 ms and 1.265 ms. Confirmed that Eu3+ can be used as an effective deactivation ion of Ho3+ in GdScO 3 crystal. All those results show that the Ho,Eu:GdScO 3 crystal would be a potential laser material for ∼3 μm mid-infrared region. • Ho,Eu:GdScO 3 crystal was successfully grown. • The spectroscopic properties of the Ho,Eu:GdScO 3 crystal were analyzed. • J-O theory was applied to analyze fluorescence properties of the Ho,Eu:GdScO 3 crystal. • The energy transfer between Ho3+ and Eu3+ ions, spectroscopic characteristic of ∼3 μm emission were calculated and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 0.5 at.% Tm:Ca 1-x Y x F 2+x (x = 0, 0.01, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.12) crystals have been successfully grown by the temperature gradient technique (TGT) method. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay curves were measured and analyzed at room temperature. By comparison, it is found that when the concentration of Y3+ ions reaches 8 at.%, the absorption cross section corresponding to the 3H 6 →3H 4 energy level is 2.56 × 10−21 cm2 at 793 nm, which is suitable for GaAlAs LD pumping. The J-O strength parameters Ω 2 , Ω 4 , and Ω 6 were obtained. With the incorporation of Y3+ ions, the value of Ω 4 /Ω 6 gradually increases. When the concentration of Y3+ ions reaches 8 at.%, the emission cross sections are 3.05 × 10−21 cm2 at 1476 nm, 2.56 × 10−21 cm2 at 2378 nm, and the full widths at half maximum (FWHM) are 76 nm and 195 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 level, the upper level of 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm, is 1.05 ms, which is very beneficial for 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm laser. • With the incorporation of Y3+ ions, the value of Ω 4 /Ω 6 gradually increases. • When the concentration of Y3+ ions reaches 8 at.%, the emission cross section is 3.05 × 10−21 cm2 at 1476 nm, 2.56 × 10−21 cm2 at 2378 nm, respectively. • The fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 level, the upper level of 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm, is 1.05 ms, which is very beneficial for 1.5 μm and 2.3 μm laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NASO:Tb3+ and NASO:Eu3+ glasses derived from ions exchanged LTA zeolite were successfully prepared by melt quenching method. The microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties were demonstrated, due to the porous structure and low Si/Al ratio of LTA, the Tb3+-doped and Eu3+-doped prepared glasses exhibited the good phase stability, high Vickers hardness (825 kg/mm2 and 807 kg/mm2) and quality thermal conductivity (2.523 W m−1 K−1 and 2.496 W m−1 K−1). The emission intensity of NASO:Tb3+ and NASO:Eu3+ glasses showed strong green and red luminescence corresponding to the transitions of 5D 4 →7F 5 and 5D 0 →7F 2 , and the values maintained about 73% and 67% at the temperature of 200 °C, indicating the prepared glasses possess good thermal quenching performance. The CIE coordinates of the prepared glasses were calculated to be (0.321, 0.594) and (0.628, 0.361), and the CCT of green and red light were measured to be 1892 K and 5345 K. The results show that the straightforward technique to synthesize NASO:Tb3+ and NASO:Eu3+ glasses is promising for white light illumination source. • NASO:Tb3+ and NASO:Eu3+ glasses derived from ions exchanged LTA zeolite were successfully prepared by melt quenching method. • Due to the porous structure and low Si/Al ratio of LTA, the Tb3+-doped and Eu3+-doped prepared glasses exhibited the good phase stability, high Vickers hardness and quality thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ho:Lu 2 O 3 crystal was successfully grown by TGT method. The spectroscopic properties of the crystal were analyzed. The absorption cross section of Ho:Lu 2 O 3 were 0.307 × 10−20 cm2 at 1147 nm and 1.076 × 10−20 cm2 at 1929 nm. J-O theory was applied to analyze fluorescence properties of the Ho:Lu 2 O 3 crystal. The intensity parameters Ω t (t = 2,4,6), radiative transition rates, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were calculated. The Ho:Lu 2 O 3 crystal had very strong emission at 2027 nm and 2849 nm and emission cross sections were calculated to be 3.271 × 10−21 cm2 and 8.852 × 10−21 cm2, respectively. The fluorescence lifetimes of the Ho3+5I 7 and 5I 6 levels were measured to be 12.400 ms and 0.622 ms. All those results show that the Ho: Lu 2 O 3 crystal would be a potential laser material for mid-infrared region. • Ho: Lu 2 O 3 crystal was successfully grown by TGT method. • The spectroscopic properties of the Ho: Lu 2 O 3 crystal were analyzed. • J-O theory was applied to analyze fluorescence properties of the Ho:Lu 2 O 3 crystal. • The gain cross-section of Ho:Lu 2 O 3 crystal for ∼2 μm region and ∼3 μm region were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The π- and σ-polarization laser operation in an a-cut disordered Nd: CaYAlO 4 crystal were investigated. Making full use of the difference in polarized fluorescence spectra, σ-polarization laser at 1080 nm and π-polarization laser at 1069 nm were selected to oscillated by using of a polarizing beam splitting cube. Output powers of 2.45 and 1.52 W were obtained at the pump power of 9.8 W by rotating the laser crystal, respectively. 0.67 W output power at wavelength of 1363 nm was also achieved based on 4 F 3/2 - 4 I 13/2 transition using the cavity mirror designed for 1.3 µm laser operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yb,Tb:YAG crystals with various Yb3+ and Tb3+ concentration were grown by the micro-pulling-down method (μ -PD). The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves of Yb,Tb:YAG crystals were measured at room temperature. Under 980 nm excitation, Yb,Tb:YAG crystals exhibited intense visible up-conversion luminescence due to the cooperative energy transfer from two Yb3+ ions to one Tb3+ ion. Under 485 nm excitation, Yb,Tb:YAG crystals yielded near-infrared down-conversion emission, ascribing to the cooperative absorption of pumping photons and cooperative energy transfer from one Tb3+ ion to two Yb3+ ions. The energy transfer processes from Yb3+ ions to Tb3+ ions were discussed, and the energy transfer efficiency was calculated. Based on studies of the obtained results, Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped YAG crystal shows promising potential for sensing, volumetric displays, optical data storage, light emitting diodes. • Yb,Tb:YAG single crystals grown by the micro-pulling-down technique. • The cooperative energy transfer process was analyzed. • The effect of doped concentration on energy transfer efficiency was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+, Pr3+ co-doped Bi 4 Ge 3 O 12 (Tm,Pr:BGO) crystals with various Pr3+ doping concentration were successfully grown using the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) method. The use of Pr3+ co-doping for deactivating the Tm3+ ions at 1.5 μm emission was investigated in the BGO single crystal for the first time. The effect of Pr3+ concentration on the spectroscopic properties of Tm,Pr:BGO crystals were demonstrated. In addition, the fluorescence lifetime of Tm3+:3F 4 level of 0.5 at.% Pr, 2 at.% Tm:BGO crystal was quenched effectively (from 5.64 ms down to 0.36 ms) and the population inversions between Tm3+:3H 4 and 3F 4 levels are enhanced to achieve a four-level laser system at 1.5 μm. • Tm,Pr:BGO crystals with different Pr3+ concentration were grown using by the micro-pulling-down method. • The effect of Pr3+ concentration on the spectroscopic properties of Tm,Pr:BGO crystals was studied. • The use of Pr3+ co-doping for deactivating the Tm3+ ions at 1.5 μm emission was investigated in BGO crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Spectroscopic measurements of the calcium niobate CaNb2O6 single crystal doped with samarium ions were performed. Polarized absorption and emission spectra as well as luminescence decay curves of this material were recorded as a function of temperature in the 5–300K temperature region. Analysis of low temperature spectra made it possible to determine energies of crystal field components of Sm3+ multiplets involved in the excitation and luminescence phenomena. Number of crystal field levels derived implies that Sm3+ ions in the CaNb2O6 host are accommodated in several different sites. Radiative lifetime of the 4G5/2 metastable level determined based on the Judd–Ofelt analysis of room temperature absorption spectra amounts to 777μs, a value close to that of luminescence lifetime determined from luminescence decay curve. Energy transfer between the NbO6 group and samarium ions was observed in wide temperature range. Intense luminescence related to the 4G5/2→6H7/2 and 4G5/2→6H9/2 transitions centered at 610nm and 660nm, respectively, combined with strong absorption band near 404nm that matches perfectly the pump light provided by commercial InGaN/GaN diode lasers points at a potential of CaNb2O6:Sm3+ for the design of all-solid-state visible lasers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Praseodymium and cerium co-doped yttrium silicate (Pr,Ce:YSO) crystal with high optical quality was grown by the Czochralski method. The segregation coefficient of Pr3+ and Ce3+ is measured to be 0.547 and 0.136, respectively. The polarized absorption bands centered at 268nm, 299nm and 356nm were assigned to 4f (2F5/2)→5d inter-configuration transitions of Ce3+, while bands centered at 220nm and 250nm were assigned to 4fn–4fn−15d transitions of Pr3+. The VUV–UV excitation spectra for monitoring Pr3+ emissions centered at 610nm (1D2→3H4) and 489nm (3P0→3H4), as well as Ce3+ emission centered at 450nm were recorded at T=8K in the range of 100nm–320nm. Polarized excitation spectra for Ce3+ emission centered at 424nm and Pr3+ emission centered at 611nm were recorded at T=300K. Polarized emission spectra were obtained upon excitation at 365nm and 456nm at T=300K. Lifetimes were estimated to be 170μs for Pr3+ (1D2), 3μs for Pr3+ (3P0) and 39ns for Ce3+ (5d1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Yb-doped PbClF crystals were obtained by a modified Bridgman method. Broadband emission (FWHM=58nm) with long lifetime (5.33ms) was observed in 2.0% Yb3+-doped PbClF crystals. The Stark splitting of Yb3+ 2F7/2 level was calculated to be 801cm−1 in 0.5% Yb3+-doped PbClF crystals, and the corresponding population of lower laser level is about 2.13%. All the results indicated that Yb-doped PbClF crystals should be a promising material to ultrashort pulses output at 1.0μm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Mn-, Cr-doped and Mn, Cr-co-doped MgAl2O4 powders have been synthesized via a gel–solid reaction method. Energy transfer from Mn2+ to Cr3+ has been observed for the first time in the co-doped MgAl2O4 phosphors. When excited with blue light with a wavelength of 450nm at room temperature, both green emission from Mn2+ around 520nm and red emission from Cr3+ around 675and 693nm were generated. Moreover, the color of the emission can be modified by controlling the doping concentrations of Mn2+ and Cr3+. Therefore, MgAl2O4: Mn2+, Cr3+ could be used as a single-phased phosphor for white LED with a blue LED chip. The energy transfer in terms of Mn2+ to Cr3+ is determined by means of radiation and reabsorption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ho3+-doped GdScO 3 crystal was successfully grown by the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) method. The spectroscopic properties of Ho:GdScO 3 crystal were investigated at room temperature. The peak absorption cross-sections were 0.33 × 10−20 cm2 and 1.24 × 10−20 cm2 at 1160 nm and 653 nm with full widths at half maximum of 171.7 nm and 11.5 nm. The peak emission cross-sections of 5I 7 →5I 8 and 5I 6 →5I 7 transitions for the crystal were 0.49 × 10−20 cm2 and 1.24 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. The fluorescence lifetimes of the 5I 6 and 5I 7 multiplets were measured to be 1.12 ms and 6.13 ms, respectively. The results show that Ho:GdScO 3 crystal is a very promising material for 3 μm laser operation. • Ho:GdScO 3 crystal was successfully grown by the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) method. • The structure parameters of Ho:GdScO 3 crystal were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). • Spectral properties and Judd-Ofelt parameters of Ho:GdScO 3 crystal were investigated and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tm3+-doped bismuth germanate crystals (Tm:BGO) with various doping concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at.% were grown by the micro-pulling-down method (μ-PD). The effect of thulium concentration on the growth, structure, absorption spectra, emission spectra and fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 and 3F 4 state was studied. Under excitation of 792 nm, Tm:BGO crystals exhibit two fluorescence bands corresponding to the 3H 4 → 3F 4 and the 3F 4 → 3H 6 transitions. The fluorescence lifetime of 3H 4 state decreased strongly as the thulium concentration increased, while the lifetime of 3F 4 state was relatively constant for all thulium concentrations. • Tm:BGO crystals with different Tm3+ concentration were grown by the micro-pulling-down method. • The effect of Tm3+ concentration on the growth, structure and spectroscopic properties of Tm:BGO crystals was studied. • Tm:BGO crystals exhibit two fluorescence bands corresponding to the 3H 4 → 3F 4 and the 3F 4 → 3H 6 transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-quality Dy:PbWO 4 crystal has been successfully grown by the Bridgman method. Fluorescence properties of the grown crystal at the yellow-light region were discussed. The absorption cross-section of Dy3+ ions at 454 nm was calculated to be 0.142 × 10−20 cm2, which corresponded to the transition from 6H 15/2 to 4I 15/2 level. Based on Judd-Ofelt theory, the J-O intensity parameters Ω t and the emission cross-section were calculated. The fluorescence lifetime of 4F 9/2 level was measured to be 193 μs. • Dy: PbWO 4 crystal was grown successfully by the Bridgman method. • Judd-Ofelt theory was used to analyze the spectral properties of Dy: PbWO 4 for the first time. • Dy: PbWO 4 crystal is a potential laser medium for yellow laser operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: For the first time, a quaternary doping system of Er3+, Yb3+, Ce3+, Na+: CaF2 single crystal was demonstrated to have high fluorescence yield in the 1.5μm region. Through a simplified model, the branching ratio of the Er3+ 4I11/2→4I13/2 transition was estimated to be improved more than 40 times by the deactivating effect of Ce3+ in the quaternary-doped CaF2 crystal with dopants of 0.2-at% Er3+ and 2.0-at% Ce3+. Owing to the broad emission bandwidth and large emission cross-section, the quaternary-doped CaF2 system shows the great potential to achieve the high laser performance in the 1.5μm region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nd:SrAl 11 O 19 (Nd:SRA) crystal has been grown by the Czochralski method. Polarized absorption spectra, polarized fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime were investigated. For σ-polarization, the peak absorption cross section at 798 nm is 2.08 × 10−20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 10.2 nm and the peak emission cross section is 3.36 × 10−20 cm2 at 1048.5 nm with FWHM of 4.80 nm. The Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω 2,4,6 were obtained to be 0.51 × 10−20 cm2, 2.08 × 10−20 cm2, and 2.12 × 10−20 cm2, respectively. Continuous-wave laser operation of the a-cut and c-cut Nd:SRA sample has been demonstrated. The maximum output power of 8.33 W was achieved from c-cut sample at an absorbed power of 27.73 W, corresponding to a slope efficiency of 31.3%. • Nd:SrAl 12 O 19 crystal has been gown by the Czochralski method. • Spectral parameters of Nd:SrAl 12 O 19 crystal were obtained. • Continuous-wave laser was demonstrated from Nd:SrAl 12 O 19 crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yb,Pr:CaF 2 crystals have been grown successfully by the temperature gradient technique(TGT). The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, fluorescence decay lifetime of Pr3+ ions in CaF 2 crystal sensitized by different Yb3+ ions concentration have been measured. The effective J-O intensity parameters were fitted to be Ω 2 =0.36 × 10−20cm2, Ω 4 =2.89 × 10−20cm2, Ω 6 =6.69 × 10−20cm2 for 0.3 at.%Pr,1.5 at.%Yb:CaF 2. And the emission cross sections of 3P 1 →3H 5 (535 nm), and 3P 0 →3F 4 (750 nm) are calculated to be 2.02 × 10−20cm2, and 2.50 × 10−20cm2 with the FWHM of 17.2 nm, and 10.5 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of 3P 0 has achieved great increasing by sensitizing of Yb3+ ion. Not only the up-conversion luminescence can be achieved, but also the broad band emission from 1D 2 energy level can be observed. The results show that Yb,Pr:CaF 2 could be a potential laser gain medium for visible and near-IR laser operation. • Not only the up-conversion luminescence can be achieved, but also the broad band emission from 1D 2 energy level can be observed by Yb3+ ion sensitizing. • Spectral properties and Judd-Ofelt parameters of Yb,Pr:CaF 2 crystal were investigated and analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GdScO 3 single crystal codoped with Tm3+ and Tb3+ ions was successfully grown by the Edge-defined Film-fed Growth Method (EFG) for the first time. Absorption, fluorescence spectrum and fluorescence lifetimes of the grown crystal at room temperature were measured. The absorption cross-section at 789 nm was calculated to be 8.20 × 10−21 cm2. The emission cross-section was 1.35 × 10−21 cm2 at 1504 nm with the FWHM of 95.3 nm. The fluorescence lifetimes of the 3H 4 state and the 3F 4 state were fitted to be 253 μs and 1460 μs, respectively. Compared with Tm3+ single doped GdScO 3 crystal, the codoping of Tb3+ successfully depopulated the 3F 4 energy level and enhanced the emission at 1.5 μm region. It indicated that Tm,Tb:GdScO 3 could be favorable laser medium for 1.5 μm-laser operation. • Tm3+ and Tb3+ co-doped GdScO 3 crystal was successfully grown by the edge-defined film-fed method (EFG) for the first time. • Spectral parameters and Judd-Ofelt parameters of Tm,Tb:GdScO3 crystal were obtained and compared. • The fluorescence mechanism of Tm3+ and Tb3+ co-doped GdScO 3 crystal has been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high optical quality Er:Lu 2 O 3 and Er,Pr:Lu 2 O 3 crystals were grown by Floating zone method. The spectral properties of Er:Lu 2 O 3 and Er,Pr:Lu 2 O 3 crystals were investigated. After co-doping small concentration of Pr3+, the depopulated influence of Pr3+ to the NIR emission was much stronger than the MIR emission. The near-infrared and up-conversion fluorescence were significantly quenched. Moreover, the fluorescence lifetime of 4I 13/2 abviously decreases from 4.02 ms to 1.71 ms in 7% Er, 0.05% Pr: Lu 2 O 3 crystal, and the lifetime ratio is 1.63 with large fluorescence lifetime of 4I 11/2 which is desirable lifetime ratio in these crystals. Thus, the spectral performance was significantly improved by co-doping 0.05 at.% of Pr3+. The high laser performance at 2.7 μm of 7% Er, 0.05% Pr: Lu 2 O 3 crystal is expectable. • The high optical quality Er:Lu 2 O 3 and Er,Pr:Lu 2 O 3 crystals were firstly grown by Floating zone method. • The spectral properties of Er:Lu 2 O 3 and Er,Pr:Lu 2 O 3 crystals were firstly investigated. • After co-doping low concentration of Pr3+, the near-infrared, ESA and up-conversion fluorescence were significantly quenched. • The spectral performance of Er:Lu 2 O 3 crystal was significantly improved at 2.7 μm by co-doping 0.05 at.% of Pr3+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) crystal with nominal Sm3+ concentrations of 8 at.% was grown by the Czochralski method. Polarized absorption spectra, polarized emission spectra and fluorescence decay curve of Sm:LMA crystal were recorded at room temperature. The absorption cross-sections at 404 nm were calculated to be 2.33 × 10−20 cm2 and 0.86 × 10−20 cm2 for σ and π polarization, respectively. The spontaneous transition rates, branching ratios and the radiative lifetime of the 4G 5/2 multiplet, were calculated. The Judd-Ofelt theory has been applied to evaluate the Ω t (t = 2, 4, 6) intensity parameters. The highest stimulated emission cross-sections for the 4G 5/2 → 6H 7/2 transition around 594 nm were calculated to be 1.67 × 10−21 cm2 for σ polarization and 1.15 × 10−21 cm2 for π polarization, with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 7.68 nm and 7.27 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime of the 4G 5/2 manifold was 1.84 ms. All the results show that Sm:LMA crystal would be a promising orange-red solid state laser material. • The most intensive absorption line of Sm3+ ion, suitable for 405 nm InGaN laser diode. • The rigidity of Sm:LMA crystal is higher than some host crystals. • The value Ω 2 of Sm:LMA crystal is comparable to Sm:LiYF 4. • The large parameter σ em τ of Sm3+ in LMA is beneficial for the solid state laser. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dy3+-doped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 (YAG) and Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 (YSAG) single crystals have been successfully grown by the micro-pulling-down (μ-PD) technique for the first time. The room temperature absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves were measured. Dy:YAG and Dy:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals exhibit strongest emission centered at 583 nm, corresponding to the 4F 9/2 → 6H 13/2 transition. The decay lifetime of the 4F 9/2 level was measured to be 634 μs and 667 μs, respectively. All these results indicate that the Dy:YAG and Dy:Y 3 ScAl 4 O 12 crystals are promising candidates for yellow laser operation. • Dy:YAG and Dy:YSAG crystals were grown by the micro-pulling-down method. • Dy:YAG and Dy:YSAG crystals exhibit strong emission centered at 583 nm. • Dy:YSAG crystal has a wide emission bandwidth due to the disordered crystalline structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]