Relaxation dynamics of excited states of Er3+ in YVO4 single crystals

Abstract

Crystals of Er:YVO4 were grown by Czochralski method. Uniformly doped and good quality crystals have been obtained. The lifetimes of the 4S3/2, and the luminescence dynamics were studied as a function of temperature in the region 5-500K. The green luminescence around 550 nm has been observed in excitation by the Ti:sapphire laser into 4I11/2 level. The excitation spectrum recorded for 4S3/2 has been compared with absorption cross section spectrum and calculated ESA spectrum for 4I11/2-4F7/2 transition. The contribution of ESA process in upconversion phenomenon under excitation into 4I11/2 has been assessed. The emission cross-section and the gain coefficient for 4I13/2-4I15/2 transition of Er3+ in YVO4 have been calculated.