The influence of Zn2+ ion on the 1.5 μm laser properties of LiNbO3 crystal heavily doped with Er3+ ion

► Zn/Er:LiNbO3 crystals are grown by Czochralski technique. ► Laser performance of 1.54 μm is predicted based on Judd-Ofelt theory. ► Füchtbauer-Ladenburg is used to calculate emission cross sections at 1.54 μm. ► The gain cross section spectra of Zn/Er:LiNbO3 crystal are discussed.