Spectroscopic analysis of Cr,Er:Gd3Ga5O12 crystals as candidates of potential xenon lamp pumped ~ 2.7 μm laser

A series of Cr,Er:Gd3Ga5O12 crystals with high concentrations of Er3 + were grown by Czochralski method. The absorption spectra, the up-conversion, near infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (Mid-IR) luminescence spectra as well as the luminescence decay curves of Er: 4I13/2 and 4I11/2 levels were measured at room temperature. The spectroscopic properties of Cr,Er:Gd3Ga5O12 crystals and Cr–Er energy transfer processes were investigated. The spectroscopy of the Er3 +:4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition was centralized to discuss, and the important optical parameters including luminescence lifetimes and the Cr–Er energy transfer efficiency are presented. Based on the comprehensive spectral analyses, 0.6 at.%Cr/50 at.%Er:GGG crystal is preferred as candidate of potential xenon lamp pumped ~ 2.7 μm laser in this work.