SYNTHESIS AND SPECTROSCOPIC INVESTIGATIONS OF FLUORIDE CRYSTALS (KYF4, CaF2)

Abstract

The present work provides a general view of room temperature solid state laser systems emitting in the visible spectral region. Synthesis and spectroscopic investigations have been operated on fluoride single crystals (KYF4, CaF2) doped with luminescent rare earth ions (Pr3+). Absorption and emission spectra were recorded at room temperature. The analysis of absorption spectra with the Judd-Ofelt theory leads to the calculation of the decay rates (emission probabilities), radiative lifetimes, and branching ratios of the principal intermanifold transitions of Pr3+ from the 3P0 level to the lower states. Moreover, the room temperature fluorescence lifetimes and emission cross sections of these transitions were measured. The obtained values were compared with those of Pr3+ ions in the well known laser medium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG). The studied host materials have a common property which is the low phonon energy that makes them favorable as solid state laser systems.