Polarized spectroscopic properties of Er3+:Ca9Y(VO4)7 crystal

An Er3+-doped Ca9Y(VO4)7 single crystal with dimensions of Ø 27×30 mm3 was grown successfully by Czochralski method. Its spectroscopic properties were investigated in detail. The absorption spectra show weak polarization effect, the absorption cross-sections at 801 nm are 6.36×10−21 cm2 and 9.24×10−21 cm2 for σ- and π-polarization, respectively. The emission cross sections at 1533 nm are 9.43×10−21 cm2 for σ-polarization and 13.46×10−21 cm2 for π-polarization. The fluorescence lifetime of the 4I13/2 manifold is 3.84 ms. When the population inversion parameter β≥0.2, laser emission will be realized in the tuning range of 1575 to 1615 nm for σ-polarization. The results show that Er3+:Ca9Y(VO4)7 crystal is a promising laser material for producing 1.5 μm laser.