The effects of Ho³⁺ and Pr³⁺ ions on the spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺ doped SrGdGa₃O₇ crystals used in mid-infrared lasers

Abstract

Ho3+ and Pr3+ ions were introduced into Er3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystal, respectively, for enhanced 2.7 μm emissions. The effects of Ho3+ and Pr3+ on the spectroscopic properties and mutual energy transfer mechanisms were investigated. It is found that the introductions of Ho3+ and Pr3+ are helpful to achieve enhanced mid-infrared emissions and reduced near-infrared emissions. The up-conversion emission in Er3+/Ho3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystal was stronger than that in Er3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystal, while that in Er3+/Pr3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystal was decreased. Introducing Ho3+ and Pr3+ depopulated the lower laser lever through energy transfer and thus reduced the fluorescence lifetime of Er3+ : 4I13/2 in Er3+/Ho3+ : SrGdGa3O7 and Er3+/Pr3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystals to 1/2 and 1/10 of that in Er3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystal without significantly affecting the fluorescence lifetime of the upper laser level Er3+ : 4I11/2, which greatly reduces the self-saturation problem. However, with reduced up-conversion emission and a weaker self-termination effect, Pr3+ is a more appropriate sensitizer than Ho3+ for Er3+ in this crystal. All the results imply that Er3+/Pr3+ : SrGdGa3O7 crystal could act as a potential gain media for an enhanced 2.7 μm MIR laser.