Dysprosium-doped LiNbO3 crystal. Optical properties and effect of temperature on fluorescence dynamics

Optical properties of trivalent dysprosium doped lithium niobate crystal Dy:LiNbO3 are investigated at various temperatures. Polarised absorption, emission and lifetime measurements have been performed. The Judd–Ofelt theory, extended to anisotropic system, has been applied to evaluate the intensity parameters (V2;V4;V6), radiative transition rates Ar; radiative lifetimes tr; and branching ratios b: The predicted values of tr is compared with the experimental value for the 4F9/2 fluorescent level. Lifetimes and fluorescence dynamics were examined as a function of temperature and concentration of Dy3þ ions. q 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved