Spectroscopic properties of Yb,Er:LaF3 single crystal for 1.5–1.6 μm laser

A Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped LaF3 single crystal was grown and reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The structure and spectral properties were investigated, and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) calculations were performed. The absorption cross-section at 975 nm was calculated to be 0.20×10-20 cm2. Ω2, Ω4, and Ω6 were calculated to be 0.54×10-20 cm2, 0.34×10-20 cm2, and 0.49×10-20 cm2, with which the fluorescence lifetime of Er3+:4I13/2 was calculated. The measured fluorescence spectral properties were investigated as well. The energy transfer mechanism between Yb3+ and Er3+ was studied.