Nd3+ as effective sensitization and deactivation ions in Nd,Er:LaF3 crystal for the 2.7 μm lasers

A novel Nd,Er:LaF3 laser crystal was successfully grown and analyzed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. An enhanced similar to 2.7 mu m emission was observed in Nd,Er:LaF3 crystal under an 808 nm excitation indicating a promising sensitization function to Er3+ ions by Nd3+ ions. Nd3+ ions also show efficient deactivation effect by lowering the lifetime of the lower energy level (I-4(13/2)) from 22.60 ms to 4.37 ms with the deactivation efficiency of 80.7%. The fluorescence branching ratio, emission crosssection and measured fluorescence lifetime at 2.7 mm are 28.5%, 1.3 x 10(-20) cm(2) and 5.48 ms, respectively. No self-termination effect exists in the Nd,Er:LaF3 crystal. These favorable properties show that Nd,Er:LaF3 crystal a promising medium for solid-state lasers around 2.7 mm pumped by the 808 nm laser diode. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.