Intensity of optical transitions of Er3+ in Yb3Al5O12 crystal

An analysis of the optical transitions in Er3+ ions located in Yb3Al5O12 (YbAG) crystal is given. The room temperature absorption spectrum from the UV to IR wavelength region have been measured and discussed. The intensity parameters of Er3+ in investigated host were evaluated using the Judd–Ofelt theory to be Ω2 = 0.27 × 10−20, Ω4 = 0.90 × 10−20, Ω6 = 1.16 × 10−20 cm2 and compared with the values for the YAG:Er3+ and other erbium doped laser materials. Based on the obtained results the radiative transition probability, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes of the excited states of Er3+ in YbAG were calculated.