Enhanced near-infrared luminescence in Y2O3:Yb nanocrystals by codoping with Li ion

Y₂O₃:Yb³⁺ nanocrystals codoping with Li⁺ ions were synthesized by glycine combustion method. Codoping with Li⁺ ions leads to about 12 times enhancement of the photoluminescence (PL) intensity around 1 μm, in terms of the increased lifetimes at 1026 nm from 0.384 ms to 1.42 ms at room temperature. The enhancement in the PL intensity could be mostly attributed to the modification of the local symmetry around Yb³⁺ ions by codoping with Li⁺ ions.     

Loading rate of Yb<Superscript>+</Superscript> loaded through photoionization in radiofrequency ion trap

We investigate the loading rate of Yb⁺ ions loaded through photoionization in a radiofrequency trap. The absolute or relative number of the loaded trapped ions is measured by use of an electric resonance of the secular motion. This method is applicable even in the presence of anharmonicity. In two-color photoionization, where the first-excitation laser drives the ¹S₀–¹P₁ transition in the Yb atom and the second one ionizes the atom from the ¹P₁ state, the loading rate is at its highest by the excitation of the ionization potential. A similar loading rate is observed at the second-laser wavelength around 369.5 nm, which is the wavelength for the cooling transition of Yb⁺. We estimate the loading cross section to be 40(15) Mb for the two-color excitation of the ionization potential. The excitation of the Yb atoms in the Rydberg states is detected by the enhancement of the loading rate. By irradiation with only the first-excitation laser, Yb⁺ is produced at a rate three orders of magnitude smaller than that when the non-resonant two-photon absorption from the ¹P₁ state is the dominant process. We also measure the charge-exchange rate between Yb⁺ and Yb, and discuss its effect on isotope-selective photoionization loading.     

Peculiarities of Er3+ photoluminescence in halogen-doped amorphous silica

The spectra and photoluminescence kinetics of Er³⁺ ions embedded in amorphous fluorine- and chlorine-doped silica matrices synthesized by surface-plasma chemical vapor deposition were investigated at 27–300 K. Luminescence was excited with an Ar⁺ laser at a wavelength of 514.5 nm and with a diode laser at a wavelength of 975 nm. Narrow and well-expressed components of Stark sublevels with a small contribution of inhomogeneous broadening intrinsic to Er³⁺ ions in crystalline rather than amorphous matrices were revealed and identified in photoluminescence spectra. The structure of Stark sublevels was well-resolved at low temperatures. The presence of the well-resolved Stark structure in spectra was indicative of stable anion complex formation in Er³⁺ environment presumably associated with halogen incorporation. This environment was formed at a stage of the low-temperature plasma-chemical synthesis and was destroyed at glass fusion.     

Research on the influence of fabrication parameters on the performance of buried ion-exchanged glass waveguides using the variational method

The variational method is proposed to analyze the influence of the fabrication parameters on the performance of buried K⁺–Na⁺ ion-exchanged Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ ions co-doped glass waveguide. The unknown parameters of the Hermite–Gaussian functions as the trial field distribution are determined based on the scalar variational principle. It is demonstrated that the results calculated in this paper agree with those measured in the experiment. The mode dimensions, the effective refractive index, and the overlap factor as the functions of the fabrication parameters are investigated. These results of the variational analysis are useful for the design and optimization of Er³⁺–Yb³⁺ ions co-doped waveguides.     

Efficient tunable laser operation of diode- pumped Yb,Tm:KY(WO4)2 around 1.9 μm

A new laser medium – Yb,Tm:KY(WO₄)₂ – for diode pumped solid state laser applications operating around 1.9 to 2.0 μm has been investigated and the main laser characteristics are presented. Diode pumping at 981 nm and around 805 nm was realised. For 981-nm pumping, the excitation occurs into Yb³⁺ ions followed by an energy transfer to Tm³⁺ions. A slope efficiency of 19% was realised. For pumping around 805 nm, the excitation occurs directly into the Tm³⁺ ions. Here a maximum slope efficiency of 52%, an optical efficiency of 40%, and output powers of more than 1 W were realised. Using a birefringent quartz plate as an intracavity tuning element, the tunability of the Yb,Tm:KY(WO₄)₂ laser in the spectral range of 1.85–2.0 μm has been demonstrated. The possibility of laser operation in a microchip cavity configuration for this material has also been shown. Received: 12 March 2002 / Revised version: 20 May 2002 / Published online: 25 September 2002 RID="*" ID="*"Corresponding author. Fax: +49-531/592-4116, E-mail: stefan.kueck@ptb.de     

Luminescence and selective heat radiation of Yb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> upon the resonant and thermal laser excitation

Yb₂O₃ polycrystals with a size of up to 10 mm are synthesized using the sintering and melting of the ultrapure Yb₂O₃ powders by the CO₂-laser radiation with the power P _L ≤ 100 W at the wavelength λ = 10.6 μm at the melting point T _m = 2703 K, forming due to surface tension in melt, and crystallization in air. The analysis of the polycrystal microstructure using the methods of optical and electron microscopy and X- ray diffractometry shows that perfect oxide crystallites are formed in the course of crystallization after melting-through. The transformation of the luminescence and selective heat radiation (SHR) spectra of the Yb₂O₃ polycrystals is studied under the resonant excitation at λ ≈ 975 nm using a laser diode and the laser heating at the wavelength λ = 10.6 μm. When the resonant excitation power of the Yb³⁺ ions increases from 0.15 to 4.5 W, the Stokes luminescence of the Yb₂O₃ polycrystals is sequentially transformed into SHR and the thermal radiation of the crystal lattice. The transformation of the emission spectra of the Yb₂O₃ polycrystals with an increase in the laser heating intensity by about four orders of magnitude can be represented as the low-temperature heat radiation, spectral burst of the thermodynamically nonequilibrium SHR of the Yb³⁺ ions, and the high-temperature radiation of the crystal lattice. The temperature dependence of the luminescence spectra and SHR of the Yb₂O₃ polycrystals on the intensity of the laser and laser-thermal excitation and the concentration quenching of the Yb³⁺ luminescence in oxides indicate the key role of the interaction of the f-electron shell of the Yb³⁺ ions with the natural oscillations of the crystal lattice in the processes of the multiphonon excitation and nonradiative (multiphonon) and radiative (vibronic) relaxation.     

Effect of the excimer laser irradiation on sol–gel derived tungsten–titanium dioxide thin films

A novel technique based on the excimer laser induced crystallization and modification of TiO₂ thin films is being reported. W⁺⁶ ions loaded TiO₂ (WTO) precursor films were prepared by a modified sol–gel method and spin-coated onto microscopic glass slides. Pulsed KrF (248 nm, 13 ns) excimer laser was used to irradiate the WTO amorphous films at various laser parameters. Mesoporous and nanostructured films consisting of anatase and rutile were obtained after laser irradiation at room temperature. The effect of varying W⁺⁶ ions concentrations on structural and optical properties the WTO films was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscope before and after laser treatment. Films irradiated for 10 pulses at 65–75 mJ/cm² laser fluence, exhibited anatase whereas higher parameters promoted the formation of rutile. XPS results revealed WO₃ along with minor proportion of WO₂ compounds after laser irradiation. Photo-absorbance of the WTO films was increased with increase in W⁺⁶ ions concentration in the film. TEM results exhibited a crystallite size of 15 nm which was confirmed from SEM results as well.     

Luminescence of CaGa<Subscript>2</Subscript>Se<Subscript>4</Subscript>:Eu crystals

We have studied photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (PL and TL) in CaGa₂Se₄:Eu crystals in the temperature range 77–400 K. We have established that broadband photoluminescence with maximum at 571 nm is due to intracenter transitions 4f⁶ 5d–4f⁷ (⁸S_7/2) of the Eu²⁺ ions. From the temperature dependence of the intensity (log I–10³/T), we determined the activation energy (E _a = 0.04 eV) for thermal quenching of photoluminescence. From the thermoluminescence spectra, we determined the trap depths: 0.31, 0.44, 0.53, 0.59 eV. The lifetime of the excited state 4f6 5d of the Eu²⁺ ions in the CaGa₂Se₄ crystal found from the luminescence decay kinetics is 3.8 μsec. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 76, No. 1, pp. 112–116, January–February, 2009.     

Lasing Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in crystals with a wavelength dependence anisotropy displayed from La<Subscript>2</Subscript>CaB<Subscript>10</Subscript>O<Subscript>19</Subscript>

We report spectroscopic and laser properties for propagation directions outside the principal axes of Yb³⁺-doped low symmetry laser crystals with a special devotion to the wavelength dependence anisotropy. We illustrate our report with experimental data in the 900–1075 nm range of wavelengths from the Yb³⁺:La₂CaB₁₀O₁₉ monoclinic crystal excited under laser diode pumping at 975 nm. This study, which makes easier the realization of Yb³⁺ lasers with an efficient free-running operation at the wavelength having the highest emission intensity or at a specified wavelength, or emitting two frequencies with a specified frequency difference, is of promising interest for applications.     

Ultraviolet and visible upconversion emission in Tb3+/Yb3+ co-doped fluorophosphate glasses

Ultraviolet and visible upconversion emissions in Tb³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped YF₃–BaF₂–Ba(PO₃)₂ glasses were observed under 980-nm laser diode excitation. The dependence of the emission intensities of Tb³⁺ on the pump power reveals that two-photon processes account for blue cooperative emission of Yb³⁺ at 476 nm and green upconversion emission of Tb³⁺ at 543 nm, and three-photon processes for ultraviolet emission of Tb³⁺ in the wavelength range of 379–435 nm. The effects of Tb³⁺ concentration on the emission intensity and the lifetime of Tb³⁺ and Yb³⁺ are investigated in detail. It is found that the cooperative energy transfer from a pair of excited Yb³⁺ ions to a ground Tb³⁺ ion is responsible for the appearance of blue and green upconversion emissions due to the ⁵D₄→⁷F _J (J=6,5,4,3) transitions of Tb³⁺, and the resonance energy transfer from Yb³⁺ to Tb³⁺ accounts for the population on the ⁵D₃,⁵G₆ level and ultraviolet upconversion emission.     

Optimum ion implantation and annealing conditions for stimulating secondary negative ion emission

The type, energy, ion dose, and heating temperature required to ensure a stable minimum work function of a surface in one experimental cycle (at least 2–3 min) are determined. Secondary ion mass spectrograms are recorded using Cs⁺, Ba⁺, and Ar⁺ ions. Cu, Al, and Mo samples are studied. The optimum ion implantation conditions and the activation temperature that provide a stable minimum work function of the sample surfaces are found. The samples implanted by Ba⁺ ions withstand higher temperature and current loads than the samples implanted by Cs⁺ ions. However, the work function in the case of Cs⁺ ions decreases stronger (to 1.9 eV). It is shown that neutral sputtered particles do not leave the surface at eφ ≤ 1.85–1.90 eV.     

Thermoluminescence of corundum containing anion defects following ultraviolet laser and x irradiation

The thermoluminescence of single crystals of corundum containing anion defects following x-ray and laser excitation is investigated. Its features in the luminescence bands of F, F⁺, and Cr³⁺ centers are studied. Synchronous measurements of the thermoluminescence and thermally stimulated exoelectron emission are performed by the fractional glow technique following x-ray and laser excitation of the samples. It follows from the results obtained that several traps are active in the temperature range of the principal dosimetric peak (400–500 K). The spectral sensitivity curve contains maxima corresponding to absorption bands of F, F⁺, and Al _i ⁺ centers. A possible mechanism for the recombination luminescence of F centers is discussed. It is found that the material exhibits high sensitivity to small doses of ultraviolet laser radiation. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 67, 72–76 (July 1997)     

Electron spin resonance studies at the phase transition in YbInCu4

In the intermetallic compound YbInCu₄ the Gd³⁺-ESR and the static susceptibility were measured in the temperature range 1.5K–300 K, i.e. both below and above the valence phase transition which occurs in this material at T_ph≈50 K. The Gd³⁺ resonance is mainly determined by exchange interaction of Gd³⁺ ions with fluctuating Yb³⁺ ions via conduction electrons (RKKY coupling) both below and above this transition. Arguments are presented that at low temperature YbInCu₄ is a dense Kondo system (mixed valent state).     

Role of monovalent alkali ions in the Yb3+ centers of CaF2 laser crystals

Yb³⁺ and M⁺ monovalent alkali ions (M⁺ = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺)-co-doped CaF₂ cubic laser crystals were grown by the micro-pulling-down method (μ-PD) under CF₄ atmosphere. Structural and spectroscopic characterizations of Yb³⁺ in substitution of Ca²⁺ (absorption, emission and decay curves) were carried out to study the effect of M⁺ ions as charge compensators.     

Thermal quenching of photoluminescence of Eu3+ ions in an Eu(fod)3 complex

We have studied the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Eu³⁺ ions in the complex Eu(fod)₃ (fod = 6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octadione) and also in polymers doped with Eu(fod)₃ with the help of supercritical carbon dioxide. We have established that in the temperature range 20°C–100°C, we observe thermal quenching of the photoluminescence of Eu³⁺ ions, and this quenching is most efficient in polycrystalline Eu(fod)₃ powder and Eu(fod)₃-doped polypropylene. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 3, pp. 315–319, May–June, 2006.     

Infrared, visible and upconversion emission of CaAl12O19 powders doped with Er3+, Yb3+ and Mg2+ ions

CaAl₁₂O₁₉ powders doped with Er³⁺, Yb³⁺, and Mg²⁺ ions have been prepared by a low-temperature combustion synthesis technique. Formation and chemical compositions were analysed by powder X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The visible luminescence spectra of the doped phosphor upon excitation with ∼378 nm radiation from a Xenon lamp have been studied. A broad band emission in the range of 1400–1700 nm with a peak around 1.5 μm and FWHM of about ∼80 nm responsible for the eye-safe telecommunication window has been observed upon direct excitation with a NIR laser into the ⁴I_11/2 level of Er³⁺. The effect of co-doping with Yb³⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions in the CaAl₁₂O₁₉:Er³⁺ matrix on the photoluminescence intensity corresponding to the ²H_11/2,⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ is elaborated and discussed in detail.     

Luminescence of CsBr:Eu films grown by liquid-phase epitaxy

By liquid-phase epitaxy from an aqueous alcoholic solution, we have obtained films of the well-known storage phospor CsBr:Eu, and we have studied their cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence (PL) spectra compared with the undoped CsBr films. We have established that the structure of the photoluminescence centers of the CsBr:Eu films when excited by laser radiation in the absorption band of the Eu²⁺ ions (λ = 337 nm) includes Eu²⁺-V_Cs isolated dipole centers and CsEuBr₃ aggregate centers, and also luminescence centers based on inclusions of hydroxyl group OH⁻ with the corresponding emission bands in the 440 nm, 520 nm, and 600 nm regions. We have studied the dependence of the spectra and the intensity of the photoluminescence for CsBr:Eu films on annealing temperature in air at 423–483 K, compared with analogous dependences for CsBr:Eu single crystals obtained from the melt. We have shown that annealing the films at T = 423–463 K leads to rapid formation of CsEuBr3 aggregate luminescence centers, while for T > 473 K thermal degradation of these centers occurs. We conclude that the observed differences between the photoluminescence spectra of CsBr:Eu films and CsBr:Eu single crystals may be due to additional doping of the films with OH⁻ ions. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 191–194, March–April, 2006.     

Energy transfer and frequency upconversion in Yb3+–Er3+-doped PbO-GeO2 glass containing silver nanoparticles

We report the infrared-to-visible frequency upconversion in Er³⁺–Yb³⁺-codoped PbO-GeO₂ glass containing silver nanoparticles (NPs). The optical excitation is made with a laser at 980 nm in resonance with the ²F_5/2→²F_7/2 transition of Yb³⁺ ions. Intense emission bands centered at 525, 550, and 662 nm were observed corresponding to Er³⁺ transitions. The simultaneous influence of the Yb³⁺→Er³⁺ energy transfer and the contribution of the intensified local field effect due to the silver NPs give origin to the enhancement of the whole frequency upconversion spectra.     

Characterization and antibacterial functions of Ag–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and W–TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanostructured thin films prepared by sol-gel/laser-induced technique

A novel sol-gel/laser-induced technique (SGLIT) has been developed to form nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (TiO₂) based thin films with an improved antibacterial performance. TiO₂ precursor films loaded with W⁺⁶ and Ag⁺² ions (W–TiO₂, Ag–TiO₂) were prepared separately by sol-gel method and spin-coated on microscopic glass slides. As-dried films were subjected to KrF excimer laser pulses at optimized parameters to generate mesoporous anatase and rutile phases at room temperature. The anatase phase was obtained after irradiation with 10 laser pulses only at 75–85 mJ/cm² fluence in W–TiO₂ films. However, higher number of laser pulses and higher W⁺⁶ content favored the formation of rutile. Whereas Ag–TiO₂ films exhibited anatase up to 200 laser pulses at the same fluence. The films were characterized by using XRD, FEG-SEM, TEM and UV-Vis spectrophotometer to investigate the crystallographic structure, phase transformation, surface morphology, film thickness and the optical properties. A crystallite size of approximately 20 nm was achieved from the anatase prepared by SGLIT. The films exhibited an enhanced antibacterial function against E-Coli cells under the UV excitation.     

Effect of ytterbium concentration on cw Yb:YAG microchip laser performance at ambient temperature – Part I: Experiments

The microchip laser performance of Yb:YAG crystals doped with different ytterbium concentrations (C_Yb=10, 15, and 20 at. %) has been investigated at ambient temperature without active cooling of the gain media. Efficient laser oscillation for a 1-mm-thick YAG doped with 10 at. % Yb³⁺ ions was achieved at 1030 and 1049 nm with slope efficiencies of 85% and 81%, correspondingly. The laser performance of heavy-doped Yb:YAG crystals was limited by the thermal population at terminated lasing level and thermal lens effect at room temperature without sufficient cooling of the samples. The laser emitting spectra of Yb:YAG microchip lasers with different Yb concentrations and output couplings are addressed with the local temperature rise, due to the absorption of the pump power inside the gain media under different pump levels. PACS 42.55.Xi; 42.70.Hj; 42.55.Rz