Judd–Ofelt analysis of powder samples: LiNbO3:Er3+ submicron-sized particles as a model case

• Submicron-sized powder materials.
• Modified Judd–Ofelt analysis.
• Model case: LiNbO3:Er.
• Potential application for quantifying micro- and nano-structured materials.

In this work, a modified procedure for Judd–Ofelt analysis in powder samples is presented. The strength of this method lies in the use of relative optical absorption spectra in terms of optical densities, without the need to quantify the sample thickness which, for powder samples, can be challenging. The method is valid for samples of arbitrary ion concentration and not restricted to diluted materials. Also, while applied here to Er3+ ions, the method is generic and it should be easily adapted to other lanthanide ions.