Spectroscopic characterisation of LaGaO3:Er3+ crystals

LaGaO3 crystals doped with Er3+ ions were grown by the Czochralski method and their optical properties were examined. The Er3+ energy levels have been determined from the low-temperature absorption and emission spectra. The results of Judd-Ofelt analysis are presented and compared with experimental data. The emission cross sections are determined for the I-4(13/2) --> I-4(15/2) (1.55 mu m) and I-4(11/2) --> I-4(13/2) (2.85 mu m) transitions of erbium.