A new technique of the excited-state photoionization studies in Ce:LiYF4 and Ce:LiLuF4 crystals

► Excited-state photoionization (ESPI) processes in activated dielectric UV active media. ► Degradation of optical and laser properties under UV excitation. ► ESPI spectra allows to select suitable excitation conditions for active media. ► Analysis of the fluorescence decay is a simple alternative method for ESPI spectrum study. ► Numerical simulation provides media characteristics that can not be obtained by direct means.