Structural and optical properties of 5 mol% ErF3-doped fluoride crystals
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The influence of the fluoride host matrix MeF2 (Me = Ca, Ba) on the structural and optical properties of 5 mol% ErF3-doped single crystals was investigated. The MeF2:Er3+ crystals were successfully grown using the Stockbarger–Bridgman technique and analyzed through laboratory x-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. Structural refinements revealed distinct behavior upon erbium doping: an expansion of the CaF2 lattice and a contraction of the BaF2 lattice, correlated with host-specific charge compensation mechanisms and local lattice distortions. Room temperature absorption and photoluminescence spectra recorded under UV excitation (λ exc = 255 nm and 378 nm) showed intense visible emissions in the blue, green, and red domains. Judd–Ofelt analysis provided the intensity parameters Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6, and radiative lifetimes were calculated and compared with literature data. The distinct structural responses and luminescent behavior of MeF2 (Me = Ca, Ba) hosts at high Er concentrations suggest their suitability for applications in solid-state lasers, visible light-emitting devices, and optical amplifiers. These findings contribute to the optimization of Er3+-doped fluorides for use in solid-state lasers, optical amplifiers, and visible light-emitting devices.
Source: Physica Scripta
Institutions: West University of Timişoara, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,400
OpenAlex ID: W4414229728