Optical properties of Ni-doped image single crystals grown by floating zone method

The single crystal growth conditions and spectroscopic characterization of Ni-doped image with inverse-spinel structure crystal family are described. Single crystals of this material have been grown by floating zone method. Ni-doped image single crystals have broadband fluorescence in the 1100–1600 nm wavelength range, 1.6 ms room temperature lifetime, 56% quantum efficiency and image stimulated emission cross section at the emission peak. This new material is very promising for tunable laser applications covering the important optical communication and eye safe wavelength region.