Sensitization of the Er3+ luminescence in (YEr)3Al5O12Cr3+ crystals and lasing at the 2.7 μm wavelength
An investigation was made of the spectroscopic properties of YAG:Cr3+ and YAG:Cr3+ :Er3+ crystals. The decay kinetics of the Cr3+ ions was also studied. Efficient nonradiative transfer of energy from the Cr3+ to the Er3+ ions was observed at room temperature. In YAG:Cr3+ :Er3+ crystals (4I11/2→4I13/2 transition) free-running stimulated emission was obtained at the 2.698 μm wavelength at room temperature. The mechanism for filling of the active levels of the Er3+ ions in these crystals is discussed.