Spectroscopic analysis of Er:Y₂O₃ crystal at 2.7 μm mid-IR laser

High quality 7 at%Er:Y₂O₃ crystal was successfully grown by Fz method. Judd-Ofelt theory was applied to analyze spectroscopic properties at 2.7 μm. The larger value of Ω₂ shows low local environment symmetry exists in Er:Y₂O₃ crystal, and the large Ω₄/Ω₆ indicates better spectral quality. The larger absorption cross-section and FWHM are beneficial to efficient absorption of pump source. The fluorescence spectra and lifetimes of Er:Y₂O₃ crystal were measured and studied at 2.7 μm. The emission cross-sections at 2723 nm was calculated to be 1.41 × 10⁻²⁰cm². Compared with other Er³⁺ doped crystals, the large spectral quality factors Q and low fluorescence lifetime ratio illustrate that Er:Y₂O₃ crystal has excellent laser properties at 2.7 μm. In addition, the low inversion ratio also indicates great potential of Er:Y₂O₃ crystal for laser generation at 2.7 μm.