| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1495740 | Optical Materials | 2012 | 5 Pages |
The effect of In3+ ion on the optical characteristics of Er3+ ion in Er/Yb:LiNbO3 crystal under 980 nm excitation has been investigated. The Er and Yb contents in the crystals were measured by an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). A significant enhancement of 1.54 μm emission was observed for Er/Yb:LiNbO3 crystal doped with 1 mol% In2O3. The studies on the UV–vis absorption and the OH− absorption spectra indicate that the threshold concentration of In3+ ion decreases with the Er/Yb doping in Er/Yb/In:LiNbO3 crystal. The 1 mol% In2O3 doping results in the reduction of absorption cross section in the UV–vis region, meaning the formation of Er3+ cluster sites. The enhancement of 1.54 μm emission is attributed to the larger probabilities of the cross relaxation processes 4S3/2 + 4I15/2 → 4I9/2 + 4I13/2 (Er), 4S3/2 + 4I15/2 → 4I13/2 + 4I9/2 (Er) and 4I9/2 + 4I15/2 → 4I13/2 + 4I13/2 (Er) induced by Er3+ cluster sites.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (137 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► In3+ threshold concentration decreases in Er/Yb/In:LiNbO3 crystal. ► The Er and Yb contents in the crystals are measured by ICP-AES. ► An enhancement of 1.54 μm emission is observed for In/Er/Yb:LiNbO3 crystal. ► Er3+ cluster sites are formed in Er/Yb:LiNbO3 with 2 mol% In3+ ions.
