Spectrum of Trivalent Erbium Ion in the Matrix of Calcium Fluoride

Author:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
In the following article the absorption and emission spectra of CaF2:Er3+ are presented, discussed, and analyzed phenomenologically. The crystalline states are listed and identified with the free ion quantum numbers by comparison with the states of erbium chloride. The oscillator strengths are determined from the absorbance spectrum and compared with the oscillator strengths reported in the literature. The study of the emission properties of the erbium ion in CaF2 includes identification of transition schemes for the major emission groups from their excitation spectra, measurements of relative intensities, decay times of fluorescence, and quantum efficiencies. The natural lifetimes and fluorescence yields were calculated using data obtained from the absorbance spectrum. By combining data obtained from the absorption and emission spectra at 77° and 4°K, the crystalline field splitting of the ground 4I15/2 multiplet was determined. The wavelengths of all emission lines at 77°K are presented, including those whose origin could not be identified. The effects of temperature and ion concentration are discussed. All pertinent data are given in a table form. The important features of the absorption and emission spectra are amply illustrated by figures, graphs, and tables. In addition to the purely spectroscopic properties of CaF2:Er3+, its properties as a potential laser material are considered and discussed. The discussion is complemented by calculation of the threshold power requirements.

This publication has 38 references indexed in Scilit: