Dopant occupancy and optical properties of Er3+ in Er/Zn-codoped lithium niobate crystal

► The intense 1.54 μm emission is observed for Er (1 mol%)/Zn (6 mol%):LiNbO3 crystal. ► The Zn codoping decreases the threshold concentration of Er3+ ion in Zn/Er:LiNbO3. ► The Zn codoping leads to the redistribution of the Er3+ ions. ► The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical investigations.