Pr3+-doped CeF3 crystals: Analysis of optical traits and fluorescence from Pr3+: 1D2 level for visible and near-infrared lasers

초록

In this work, four Pr3+-doped CeF3 crystals with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 at.% Pr3+ion doping levels nominally in the melt have been successfully grown, and their absorption and emission spectra, including fluorescence decay times were analyzed. Especially, yellow and near-infrared (NIR) emissions originating from Pr3+: 1D2 level were explored in detail. In comparison, 0.2 at.% Pr3+-doped sample showed better spectral parameters in all studied crystals. In such a crystal, at 443 nm wavelength, the derived absorption cross-section (sigma abs) is 0.88 x 10-20 cm2 with full width at half maximum (FWHM) - 10 nm in pi polarization direction, whereas sigma abs is 1.32 x 10-20 cm2 with FWHM - 6.7 nm in sigma polarization direction at the same wavelength. Likewise, the calculated emission cross-section (sigma em) for 594 nm wavelength is 0.69 x 10-20 cm2 in pi direction and 0.46 x 10-20 cm2 in sigma direction. Also, acquired sigma em at 790, 755, 1014, and 1432 nm wavelengths is 6.15 x 10-21 cm2, 7.33 x 10-21 cm2, 7.66 x 10-21 cm2, and 6.56 x 10-21 cm2 individually. Here evaluated fluorescence decay time of 1D2 level is - 200.6 mu s. Obtained higher sigma abs, larger sigma em, and higher luminescence decay rates of 0.2 at.% Pr: CeF3 crystal specify its potential as a gain medium for orange and NIR lasers.

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