The energy transfer between and ions in lithium niobate is investigated and modelled using the rate equation formalism. An efficient energy transfer from to is found and the transfer and back-transfer coefficients have been determined ( and , respectively). Using the rate equation formalism it is shown that population inversion of the level (upper laser level at ) is attainable at sufficiently low pumping levels, making this material suitable for laser applications. The effective transfer efficiency is also calculated, showing good agreement with the experimental values obtained from the increase of the emission.
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