Sm3+-doped LiNbO3 crystal, optical properties and emission cross-sections

Spectroscopic properties of the Sm3+-doped LiNbO3 crystal were investigated at various temperatures. Polarised absorption spectra, as well as emission and lifetime measurements were performed. The energies of crystal-field levels have been presented. The Judd-Ofelt theory, extended to anisotropic system, has been applied to evaluate the Ωt=2,4,6 intensity parameters, radiative transition rates Ar, branching ratios β, and radiative lifetime τr of the fluorescent 4G5/2 level. The emission cross-sections of potential laser lines between 603 and 652 nm were estimated.