Temperature dependence of Cr:CYA effective emission cross-section.

A high-quality Cr:CYA (Cr:CaYAlO 4) single crystal fiber was grown by μ-PD (Micro-Pulling-Down) method. The E//a and E//c polarized excitation spectra of Cr:CYA at room temperature was measured. The crystal field parameters were calculated and the energy level structure of Cr:CYA was analyzed. We also measured the polarization emission spectra and lifetimes at different temperatures and calculated the effective emission cross-section. Based on the above data and Boltzmann law, the thermal distribution between the excited energy levels 2E and 4A 2 at different temperatures was analyzed. The present work may be useful for guiding laser research on Cr:CYA and other Cr3+-doped laser crystals above room temperature. • Cr:CYA single crystal fiber was grown by μ-PD (Micro-Pulling-Down) method. • Excitation spectra and crystal field parameters of Cr:CYA crystals were investigated and analyzed. • The effective emission cross section of Cr:CYA at different temperatures was calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]