Polarized spectral properties of Sm3+:LiLuF4 crystal for visible laser application

A Sm3+-doped LiLuF4 single crystal was grown by the vertical Bridgman-Stockbarge technique. Polarized absorption spectra, polarized fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetime of the Sm3+:LiLuF4 crystal were recorded at room temperature. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, spectral parameters of the Sm3+: LiLuF4 crystal were calculated. Emission cross sections for the (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(J) (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, and 11/2) transitions with special interest for visible laser application were obtained by the Fuchtbauer-Ladenburg formula. The results indicate that the Sm3+:LiLuF4 crystal may be a potential laser gain medium operating in visible region pumped by diode lasers around 401 nm. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.