Optical characterization of Tm³⁺in LiYF₄and LiLuF₄crystals

Abstract

A comparative study of the optical properties of Tm3+ in LiYF4 (YLF) and LiLuF4 (LLF) crystals is presented. Room temperature polarized absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra for Tm3+ in LYF and LLF were measured and analysed. By applying the Judd–Ofelt approach, the intensity parameters Ω2,4,6 were calculated. The radiative transition rates, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes were also obtained. The results were analysed and compared between these two samples, indicating that both of them are favourable laser media.