Enhanced mid-infrared emissions of Ho3+/Er3+ co-doped Na5Y9F32 single crystal by introduction of Pr3+ ions

Abstract

The Na5Y9F32 fluoride single crystals tri-doped with ∼1 mol% Ho3+/∼1 mol% Er3+, and various concentrations of Pr3+ (0, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.0 mol%) were successfully grown by a modified Bridgman method. The absorption, Raman, emission spectra and fluorescence decay curves of Pr3+/Ho3+/Er3+ tri-doped Na5Y9F32 single crystals were studied systematically. The intensity parameters (Ω2 = 1.96 × 10−20 cm2, Ω4 = 1.66 × 10−20 cm2, Ω6 = 1.46 × 10−20 cm2) of Er3+ ions and emission cross-sections at ∼2.7 μm (1.76×10−20 cm2) and ∼2.9 μm (1.34×10−20 cm2) were calculated according to the measured absorption spectra. The emission intensities at ∼2.7 μm of Er3+: 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 and ∼2.9 μm of Ho3+: 5I6→5I7 were enhanced gradually as increase of Pr3+ concentrations from 0 to 1.0 mol% under excitation of 800 nm laser diode (LD). However, the ∼2.0 μm of Ho3+: 5I7→5I8 and ∼1.5 μm of Er3+: 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 were gradually reduced. The introduction of Pr3+ can greatly reduce the lifetimes of Er3+: 4I13/2 and Ho3+: 5I7. The energy transfer from Er3+: 4I13/2 to Ho3+: 5I7 level and depopulating Er3+: 4I13/2 and Ho3+: 5I7 levels under the action of Pr3+ ions are responsible for the enhancement of ∼2.7 and ∼2.9 μm emissions. The Pr3+/Ho3+/Er3+ tri-doped Na5Y9F32 single crystal may become a new choice for ∼3.0 μm mid-infrared solid-state laser.