Optical properties of Sm3+ doped Mg:LiNbO3 and Zn:LiNbO3 single crystals

Sm3+ doped Mg:LiNbO3 and Zn:LiNbO3 are grown by Czochralski method. Optical transmittance and emission spectra are measured and Judd–Ofelt theory is applied to determine phenomenological intensity parameters, oscillator strengths, radiant transition rates, total radiant lifetimes, and branching ratios. The calculations show that Judd–Ofelt parameters with the relation of Ω4 > Ω2 > Ω6 exist, and ΣΩξ (ξ = 2, 4 and 6) in Sm:Zn:LiNbO3 decreases. Fluorescence spectra indicate that visible fluorescence of Sm3+ is made up of 570, 606, 613 and 654 nm emission bands in these crystals under 409 nm excitation.

► The intensity parameter Ω2 decreases in Sm:Zn:LiNbO3.
► The Sm:Mg/Zn:LiNbO3 have high photo-damage resistance and visible fluorescence.
► The excited state radiant lifetimes of Sm3+ in Sm:Mg/Zn:LiNbO3 single crystal are long.
► The Sm:Mg/Zn:LiNbO3 would be a potential laser material for orange light under UV excitation.