Er³⁺ cross-section spectra of Er³⁺/Pr³⁺:Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂ single-crystal : Pr³⁺-codoping effect

Fluorescence and absorption spectra at 530 nm (²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2), 560 nm (⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2), 660 nm (⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2), 980 nm (⁴I_11/2→⁴I_15/2), 1530 nm (⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2), and 2710 nm (⁴I_11/2→⁴I_13/2) of Er³⁺ in Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂ single-crystal codoped with Pr³⁺ have been measured. Judd-Ofelt analysis yields the intensity parameters Ω₂ = (0.68 ± 0.03) × 10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄ = (0.60 ± 0.07) × 10⁻²⁰ cm², and Ω₆ = (0.90 ± 0.17) × 10⁻²⁰ cm². A comparison with previously reported values of Er³⁺-only doping case shows that Pr³⁺-codoping causes slight change of both Ω₂ and Ω₄, while onefold increase of Ω₆. From calculated radiative rates and measured fluorescence spectra, Er³⁺ emission cross-section spectra were calibrated at first. Then, the absorption cross-section spectra were calculated using McCumber relation. In parallel, the absorption cross-section spectra were also obtained from the measured absorption spectrum, and compared with those obtained from the McCumber relation. The comparison shows that both methods give consistent result of absorption cross-section spectrum. Further comparison with Er³⁺-only doping case shows that Pr³⁺-codoping causes considerable change of Er³⁺ cross-section value. In spectrally mixing regions of Er³⁺ and Pr³⁺, Pr³⁺ emission affects little the determination of Er³⁺ emission cross-section as Pr³⁺ fluorescence is much weaker than Er³⁺ fluorescence due to low Pr³⁺ concentration.