Spectroscopic investigation of Er3+-doped (Gd0.7Y0.3)2SiO5 single crystal for potential application in 1.5 μm laser

► An Er3+ doped (Gd0.7Y0.3)2SiO5 single crystal is grown by using the Czochralski technique. ► Er3+:G0.7Y0.3SO crystal has a similar structure to that of GSO, which is consistent with the space group P21/c and has lattice parameters of a = 9.12 Ǻ, b = 7.04 Ǻ, c = 6.77 Ǻ, β = 107.86̊. ► Er3+:G0.7Y0.3SO crystal has larger absorption line width at 1529 nm (FWHM ∼6 nm) than Er3+:YAG (∼1.9 nm@1532 nm). ► The stimulated emission cross-section at 1531 nm with a value of 0.95 × 10−20 cm2 is higher than that reported for the Er3+:YAG crystal (σem = 0.75 × 10−20 cm2 at 1617 nm). ► Er3+:G0.7Y0.3SO crystal can be considered as a promising laser material operating at around 1.5 μm.