Fluorescence properties of Er3+: LiNbO3 sol-gel powder

This paper reports the synthesis and the upconversion green emission (S-4(3 /2) --> I-4(15/2)) of Er3+:LiNO3 sol-gel powder upon excitation with two NI R wavelengths (993 and 800 nm). Normal photoluminescence spectra measured a t 331 and 399 nm show a bright green emission at 543 nm. Lifetimes of this green emission transition both in the upconversion and the normal emission have been compared. An NIR lasing transition (I-4(13/2) --> I-4(15/2)) at 1 549 nm has also been measured by pumping the sample with an Ar+ laser (514 nm). Details concerning the sample structure and particles are reported hen from the profiles of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.