Laser time-resolved studies of exciton migration in doped lithium niobate

Abstract

Time-resolved spectroscopy measurements were made on LiNbO3 and LiNbO3:Eu3+, Cr3+ crystals after pulsed nitrogen laser excitation. The results are found to be consistent with a model of host exciton migration and trapping at activator ion sites with efficient Eu3+–Cr3+ transfer also occurring. The properties of this host-sensitized energy transfer are characterized in a diffusion model and the results are discussed in terms of their possible implications on the use of this material in laser host and holographic storage applications.