Bulk Crystal Growth, First-Principles Calculation, and Optical Properties of Pure and Er³⁺-Doped SrLaGa₃O₇ Single Crystals

Abstract

High-quality bulk single crystals of pure and Er3+-doped SrLaGa3O7 (SLGO) were grown successfully by the Czochralski method. The crystal structure of SLGO was demonstrated. The theoretical calculations based on density functional theory methods were carried out on the SLGO crystal. Its band structure and density of state were presented. The absorption, up-conversion, near-infrared and mid-infrared fluorescence spectra, as well as the fluorescence decay curves of Er: 4I13/2 and 4I11/2 levels of the Er:SLGO crystal were measured at room temperature. The spectroscopic properties including the absorption and emission cross sections as well as the fluorescence lifetimes were revealed. It is concluded that the Er:SLGO crystal is a promising candidate material for achievement of a mid-infrared laser.