International Journal of Modern Physics B · 2015 · 11 citations · 24 references
Natural SciencesMaterials EngineeringMaterials ScienceCeramic MaterialsCrystal StructureMaterials ChemistryCrystal ChemistryCrystal GrowthCrystallographyLaser Host MaterialsUpconversion MaterialsX-ray DiffractionCongruent MeltingCzochralski Crystal GrowthCzochralski GrowthExcitationExcited-state AbsorptionLaser Gain MaterialsLaser MaterialsX-ray Diffraction Analysis
Zr:Nd:LiNbO 3 crystals codoped with 0.1 mol% of Nd 2 O 3 and three concentrations of ZrO 2 (0, 2 and 4 mol%) were grown by the Czochralski method from the congruent melt. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, UV–visible absorption and infrared (IR) spectra were measured to analyze the crystal composition and defect structure. The blue and green upconversion emissions of Nd 3+ ions under 598 nm excitation were observed. The intensity of upconversion emissions was increased by the introduction of 2 mol% zirconium ion (Zr 4+ ) and decreased by the introduction of 4 mol% Zr 4+ ions. The luminescence decay measurement indicated that the 4 G 7/2 state of Nd 3+ ion was mainly populated by excited state absorption process. It was proposed that Nd:LiNbO 3 crystals doped with approximately 2 mol% Zr 4+ ions could be applied as laser materials at 522/535 nm.
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