Growth, spectroscopic properties, and energy levels of Cr3+ doped LuScO3 crystal

Abstract

High-quality Cr:LuScO3 crystals were grown by the FZ (floating zone) method. The absorption spectra from 400 nm to 750 nm were tested at room temperature. The absorption cross-sections (σabs) of 0.5at.% and 1at.% Cr3+:LuScO3 were calculated to be 0.70×10−20 cm2 and 0.64×10−20 cm2 at 483 nm corresponding to the 4A2→4T1 transition, and 0.30×10−20 cm2 and 0.27×10−20 cm2 at 661 nm corresponding to the 4A2→4T2 transition, respectively. The transition Cr3+:4T2→4A2 in 1at.% Cr3+:LuScO3 exhibited a broad emission band with the FWHM value reaching up to 297 nm and the emission cross-section (σem) was 2.35×10−20 cm2. From the spectra, the crystal field parameter (Dq) was calculated to be 1513 cm-1, Racah B and C were 544 cm-1 and 3331 cm-1, respectively. All the results indicated the great application potential of Cr3+:LuScO3 crystals in the field of ultrafast lasers.