Observation of the hyperfine structure and anticrossings of hyperfine levels in the luminescence spectra of LiYF4:Ho3+

Resolved hyperfine structure and narrow inhomogeneously broadened lines in the optical spectra of a rare-earth-doped crystal are favorable for the implementation of various sensors. Here, a well-resolved hyperfine structure in the photoluminescence spectra of LiYF4:Ho single crystals and the anticrossings of hyperfine levels in a magnetic field are demonstrated using a self-made setup based on a Bruker 125HR high-resolution Fourier spectrometer. This is the first observation of the resolved hyperfine structure and anticrossing hyperfine levels in the luminescence spectra of a crystal. The narrowest spectral linewidth is only 0.0022 cm(-1). This fact together with a large value of the magnetic g factor of several crystal-field states creates prerequisites for developing magnetic field sensors, which can be in demand in modern quantum information technology devices operating at low temperatures. Very small random lattice strains characterizing the quality of a crystal can be detected using anticrossing points.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates clear hyperfine structure and anticrossing of hyperfine levels in LiYF4:Ho single crystals, providing potential for developing magnetic field sensors. The narrow spectral linewidth and large magnetic g factor values discovered in this research lay fundamental groundwork for modern quantum information technology devices.