Growth and optical properties of RE-doped ternary rubidium lead chloride single crystals

• Single crystals of RbPb2Cl5 pure and doped with RE elements grown by μ-PD method.
• Prepared single crystals with conforming quality for optical measurements.
• Absorption, radio- and photoluminescence spectra and decay measurements performed.
• Potential of Nd:RbPb2Cl5 for IR solid state laser application discussed.

This paper reports on the growth of pure and Nd3+, Pr3+, Yb3+, and Dy3+ doped rubidium lead chloride (RbPb2Cl5) crystals by the atmosphere-controlled micro-pulling-down method. Structural and composition measurements are reported, further completed by the absorption, radio- and photoluminescence spectra and decay measurements on the prepared single crystals. Potential of these materials and preparation method for the application in the infrared solid state laser field are discussed.