Optical properties of Ni-doped MgGa2O4 single crystals grown by floating zone method

The single crystal growth conditions and spectroscopic characterization of Ni-doped MgGa2O4 with inverse-spinel structure crystal family are described. Single crystals of this material have been grown by floating zone method. Ni-doped MgGa2O4 single crystals have broadband fluorescence in the 1100-1600 nm wavelength range, 1.6 ms room temperature lifetime, 56% quantum efficiency and 1.05×10-21cm2 stimulated emission cross section at the emission peak. This new material is very promising for tunable laser applications covering the important optical communication and eye safe wavelength region.