Spectroscopic analysis on the basis of Judd–Ofelt theory along [0 0 1] of Er:YVO4 grown by optical floating zone technique

1.0 at.% erbium-doped YVO4 crystals have been grown along [0 0 1] by optical floating zone technique after optimizing the synthesis process. The circular cross-section of the grown crystals is explained on the basis of attachment energy. Using Judd–Ofelt (JO) theory the absorption and emission lines observed in absorption and photoluminescence data along [0 0 1] are characterized. JO intensity parameters as calculated are: Ω2 = 14.4389 × 10−20 cm2, Ω4 = 2.3320 × 10−20 cm2 and Ω6 = 1.7794 × 10−20 cm2. For 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition the calculated radiative lifetime and emission cross-section are: 2.59 × 10−20 cm2 and 2.45 ms, respectively.

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► Synthesis and solid state reaction for Er:YVO4 is addressed.
► Single crystal growth by OFZ technique along c [0 0 1] is discussed.
► Differences in crystal morphology along a and c axes are experimentally observed.
► This is explained on the basis of difference in attachment energy.
► Spectroscopic investigations along [0 0 1] are carried out.