Growth and spectroscopic properties of Er3+ single doped and Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped YAl3(BO3)4 crystals

Abstract: Er3+-doped and Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped yttrium aluminum borate (YAB) single crystals have been grown by the top-seeded solution growth method using a new flux system, namely NaF–MoO3–B2O3. The Er3+ concentrations were 1.3mol% for both single doped and co-doped crystals and the Yb3+ concentration in the Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped crystal was 20.0mol% in the raw materials. The distribution coefficients of Er3+ single doped and Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped crystals were measured. The polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra of Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped crystal were recorded and compared with those of Er3+ single doped crystal. The results demonstrate that Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped YAB crystal is a potential candidate for 1.55μm laser materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]