K2YF5:Tb3+ single crystal: An in-depth study of spectroscopic properties, energy transfer and quantum cutting

Abstract

Tb3+ doped K2YF5 single crystal was synthesized by the hydrothermal technique. Structure of material was analyzed by X-ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectra. The optical properties were studied through absorption, luminescence spectra and decay curves. Absorption spectra were used to calculate the bonding parameter (δ) and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω2,4,6). The JO parameters and emission spectra have been used to estimate radiative properties such as transition probability (AR), branching ratios (βcal, βexp), lifetime (τcal) stimulated emission cross-sections (σλp, 10−22 cm2) and optical gain (σλp × τcal, 10−25 cm2 s) for 5D3→7FJ and 5D4→7FJ (J = 0 ÷ 6) transitions. The dominant interaction mechanism and energy transfer parameters between Tb3+ ions have been found by fitting the decay curves of 5D3 level to the Inokuti-Hirayama model. In addition, the quantum cutting process based on energy transfer between Tb3+ ions has also been studied for K2YF5:Tb3+ crystal.