VACUUM-ULTRAVIOLET AND ULTRAVIOLET FLUORESCENCE AND ABSORPTION STUDIES OF ER(3-DOPED LILUF4 SINGLE-CRYSTALS())

The laser induced fluorescence spectrum of LiLuF4:Er3+ single crystals , pumped by an F2 pulsed discharge molecular laser at 157 nm, was obta ined in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and ultraviolet (UV) regions of t he spectrum at room temperature. A number of new fluorescence peaks we re observed for the first time. They were assigned to the dielectric d ipole allowed transitions 4f(10)5d --> 4f11 of the Er3+ ion. In additi on, the absorption spectrum of the same crystal samples was recorded. The positions of the bands within the 4f(10)5d configuration were loca ted at 65 098, 69 198, 71 422, 74 343, and 76 916 cm-1. The edge of th e 4f(10)5d bands was at 63 046 cm-1.