Polarized spectroscopic properties of Ho3+ ions in NaLa(MoO4)2 crystal

A Ho3+-doped NaLa(MoO4)2 single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The polarized absorption spectra, polarized fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence decay curves of the crystal were measured at room temperature. The spontaneous emission probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and fluorescence branching ratios of the typical fluorescence multiplets of Ho3+ ions were calculated. The polarized stimulated emission and gain cross-sections of the 5I7 → 5I8 transition were obtained. The results show that the Ho3+:NaLa(MoO4)2 crystal is a promising gain medium for tunable and ultrashort pulse lasers operating around 2.0 μm.

Research highlights
► A Ho3+-doped NaLa(MoO4)2 single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method.
► Polarized spectroscopic properties of the crystal are reported.
► The crystal is a promising gain medium for 2.0 μm laser with large tunable range.