Spectroscopy of ytterbium in Gd4CaO(SiO4)(3) (CGS)

Basic spectroscopic characteristics of Yb:CGS single crystals were obtained in consequence of the temperature analysis of absorption and luminescence spectra, luminescence decay curves measurements, and by the decomposition o f the spectra into individual Stark components. Some parameters presenting Yb:CGS crystals as an ytterbium laser medium were obtained. The generation wavelength of 1064 nm with a low threshold for an idealized lossless laser based on Yb:CGS crystals was predicted. The emission cross-section on the g eneration wavelength was determined to be 6 x 10(-21) cm(2). A low threshol d was bound up with a high (823 cm(-1)) final level of the 1064 nm transiti on. A broadband luminescence with a 40nm half-width could be useful for tun able laser action around 1010-1070 nm. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.