Application of photoconductivity measurements to photodynamic processes investigation in LiYF4:Ce3+ and LiLuF4:Ce3+ crystals

► Photodynamic processes (PDP) induced in activated crystals under UV radiation. ► Photoconductivity measurements allow direct studies of PDP. ► Numerical simulation of photoconductivity data provides values of PDP characteristics. ► Excited-state photoionization band revealed near 270 nm in Ce-doped LiYF4 and LiLuF4. ► This allowed to establish energy scheme of ''activator - lattice” system in Ce:LiYF4.