Spectroscopic peculiarities of praseodymium impurities in Lu3Al5O12 single crystal

Spectroscopic properties of lutetium aluminum garnet Lu3Al5O12 (LuAG) single crystal doped with 1 at.% of Pr3+ were investigated. The crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. Optical absorption, emission, excitation spectra and luminescence decay curves were recorded for this system in 5–500 K temperature range. Excitation spectra in VUV–UV range (150–330 nm) were also measured exploiting synchrotron radiation. It has been found that among bands of luminescence related to the 3PJ, 1D2 → 3HJ, 3FJ transition of Pr3+ in the visible region the 3P0 → 3H4 one, occurring ca. 488 nm, is the most prominent. Luminescence lifetimes for the 3P0,1 and 1D2 levels were estimated to be 13 and 200 μs respectively (at room temperature). VUV-excited emission spectrum stretches over the whole visible region. It has been concluded that the material under study is a promising phosphor that can be efficiently pumped by broad absorption bands centered at 240 and 280 nm.

► Spectroscopic properties of Lu3Al5O12:Pr 1 at.% single crystal have been investigated.
► Lifetime of 1D2 level is strongly dependent on temperature.
► Energy transfer form 4f1–5d1 states to 4f2 is dependent on temperature.
► Possible optical pumping area for laser action generation is proposed.