Differential absorption measurements of Cr4+-doped forsterite under picosecond excitation

Abstract

Polarized differential absorption spectra of Cr<SUP>4+</SUP>- doped forsterite have been studied using a picosecond pump- probe technique. For pump beam and probe beam polarization parallel to the axis, an excited state absorption in the 450-800 nm region is observed and assigned to the <SUP>3</SUP>T<SUB>2</SUB>yields<SUP>3</SUP>T<SUB>1</SUB>(<SUP>3</SUP>P) transition of Cr<SUP>4+</SUP> ion. The lifetime of the <SUP>3</SUP>T<SUB>1</SUB>(<SUP>3</SUP>F) state is estimated to be less than 15 ps.