Preliminary report on growth, structure and optical properties of K 5LaLi 2F 10:Ln 3+ (Ln 3+–Pr 3+, Nd 3+, Er 3+) crystals

Abstract

Single crystals of K 5LaLi 2F 10 type containing Pr 3+, Nd 3+ and Er 3+ ions were obtained by the Bridgman method. The crystallographic structure of this stoichiometric compound (orthorhombic, space group Pnma) was confirmed by an X-ray diffraction analysis. Preliminary measurements of optical properties of Pr 3+, Nd 3+ and Er 3+ ions such as absorption spectra, luminescence spectra and lifetimes of main luminescent levels were done. The positions of pertinent energy levels were determined from the low temperature absorption and luminescence spectra.