Spectroscopic assessment of Dy3+:LiLa(MoO4)2 crystal as an active medium for all-solid-state direct yellow-emitting lasers

The spectroscopic properties of the Dy3+:LiLa(MoO4)(2) crystal prepared by the Czochralski method, have been investigated so as to assess its potentialities for direct yellow laser operation upon excitation with blue-violet or near UV laser diodes. Optical absorption, excitation, emission and fluorescence decay measurements have been performed at room temperature. An intense yellow emission band with favorably high yellow-to-blue luminescence intensity ratio has been observed in the visible region, and relevant parameters for laser applications have been determined in accordance with the Judd-Ofelt theory and Fuchtbauer-Ladenburg formula. Based on analysis of Dy3+ concentration dependence of fluorescence lifetime, the energy transfer among Dy3+ ions by the dipole-dipole interaction has been found to be responsible for the fluorescence self-quenching of the F-4(9/2) upper laser level at higher dopant concentration. The prospect of the Dy3+:LiLa(MoO4)(2) crystal for the realization of efficient yellow laser systems has been discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.