Optical decoherence and persistent spectral hole burning in Er:LiNbO3

Developing new resonant optical materials for spatial-spectral holography and quantum information applications requires detailed knowledge of the decoherence and population relaxation dynamics for the quantum states involved in the optical transitions, motivating the need for fundamental material studies. We report recent progress in studying these properties in erbium-doped lithium niobate at liquid helium temperatures. The influence of temperature, applied magnetic fields, measurement timescale, and dopant concentration were probed using photon echo spectroscopy and time-resolved spectral hole burning on the 1532 nm transition of Er³⁺:LiNbO₃. Effects of spectral diffusion due to interactions between Er³⁺ ions and between the Er³⁺ ion and ⁷Li and ⁹³Nb nuclear spins in the host lattice were observed. In addition, long-lived persistent spectral storage of seconds to minutes was observed due to non-equilibrium population redistribution among superhyperfine states.     

Secondary ion mass spectrometry and optical characterization of Ti:LiNbO3 optical waveguides

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and m-lines spectroscopy have been applied to study Ti:LiNbO₃ slab optical waveguides with high titanium surface concentration. By combining the two techniques, a saturation in the dependence of the refractive index change on the dopant concentration has been found. By the use of SIMS in image mode, the lateral diffusion of titanium in Ti:LiNbO₃ channel waveguides has been observed and analyzed.     

EPR and optical studies on transition metal doped LiRbB4O7 glasses

Electron paramagnetic resonance and optical investigations of copper and chromium doped LiRbB₄O₇ glasses are carried out. From the results and discussions, it is predicted that both the transition metal ions exhibit octahedral environment. In the case of Cr³⁺, the site symmetry is near octahedral, whereas in the case of Cu²⁺, it is tetragonally distorted octahedral environment. Crystal field, spin-Hamiltonian and bonding parameters are evaluated. The bonding parameters are suggesting ionic.     

EPR characterization of Mn impurity ions in PbWO4 single crystals

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) properties of the Mn²⁺ ions in PbWO₄ single crystals grown by the Czochralski method have been investigated in the X-band microwave frequency, at T=20 K. The angular dependence of the EPR line positions obtained by rotating the magnetic field in the main crystallographic planes shows that the local symmetry at the Mn²⁺ impurity ions is tetragonal, strongly suggesting that the Mn²⁺ ions substitute for the Pb²⁺ lattice cations, without charge compensation. The resulting spin Hamiltonian parameters compare well with the corresponding values for the Mn²⁺ ions in other isomorphous tungstates. The observed strong angular variation of the EPR linewidth has been quantitatively described considering a random distribution of lattice strains.     

Thermoluminescence, structural and magnetic properties of a Li2O-B2O3-Al2O3 glass system doped with LiF and TiO2

A Li₂O-B₂O₃-Al₂O₃ glass system, un-doped and doped with LiF, and/or TiO₂ was synthesized by the fusion method and its physical properties were investigated by thermoluminescence (TL), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The samples were subjected to γ-rays from a colbalt-60 (⁶⁰Co) source. These techniques provided evidence of LiF and LiF doped with Ti crystal formation in the glass system. A TL glow peak at about 433 K was sensitive to ⁶⁰Co γ-rays and showed good linearity with doses and consequently could be used to quantify radiation doses.     

Integrated Mach-Zehnder micro-interferometer on LiNbO3

This work presents a scanning micro-interferometer, without moving parts, based on the well-known Mach-Zehnder geometry. The micro-system was obtained by using non-standard processes of planar technology on lithium niobate crystals, in particular the waveguide fabrication was obtained by using high energy ion implantation of medium light mass elements. The scanning effect without moving parts has been obtained by changing the refractive index of the optical waveguides by using electric field. The whole device is 60 mm long with a 0.5×1 mm² cross section, weights only few grams and its power consumption lies in the milliwatt range. The performances were preliminary tested in the spectral window ranging from 0.4 to 1.0 μm. By using standard radiation sources, this micro-system demonstrated a spectral resolution suitable for detecting the characteristic spectral lines of a Xe-arc lamp on a 400 nm wide spectral window. In a further experiment we tested the performances of the microinterferometer for gas trace detection by using a calibrated NO₂ optical gas cell. A sensitivity of about 10 ppb for NO₂ detection, when suitable optical paths are used, was evaluated.     

Confocal micro-luminescence of Zn-diffused LiNbO3:Tm channel waveguides

Zinc-diffused channel waveguides fabricated in thulium-doped LiNbO₃ have been analyzed by means of confocal micro-luminescence techniques. Modifications induced by Zn²⁺ ions in the doped-crystal substrate are characterized following the evolution of the ³H₄→³H₆ luminescence of thulium ions at 795 nm, showing the existence of two different regions in the waveguide. Several Raman modes of LiNbO₃ have been used as well to study the differences between the waveguide and the bulk material.     

Ultraviolet photorefractive effect in Mg-doped near-stoichiometric LiNbO3

The ultraviolet photorefractive effect of Mg-doped near-stoichiometric LiNbO₃ crystals prepared by vapor transport equilibration (VTE) technique was studied at 351 nm. It was found in the near-stoichiometric LiNbO₃ crystals that the ultraviolet photorefractive effect could be enhanced greatly with the increase of Mg concentration. Based on the activation energy of dark decay of the photorefractive grating, possible centers responsible for the ultraviolet photorefractive effect were also discussed.     

Theoretical examination of optical and EPR spectra for Cu ion in K2PdCl4 crystal

In this work, two d-d transition spectra and four EPR parameters g_∥, g_⊥, A_∥, A_⊥ of K₂PdCl₄/Cu²⁺ are uniformly interpreted based on Zhao's crystal-field model. The calculation result is in good agreement with the experiment findings. The ligand spin-orbit coupling is neglected on the calculation, which is consistent with the ab initio result by Hillier et al. [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 98 (1976) 95]     

Magnetic properties and EPR spectra of [Cu(L-arginine)2](NO3)2·3H2O

Magnetic and EPR data have been collected for complex [Cu(L-Arg)₂](NO₃)₂·3H₂O (Arg=arginine). Magnetic susceptibility χ in the temperature range 2-160 K, and a magnetization isotherm at T=2.29(1) K with magnetic fields between 0 and 9 T were measured. The observed variation of χT with T indicates predominant antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu(II) ions coupled in 1D chains along the b axis. Fitting a molecular field model to the susceptibility data allows to evaluate g=2.10(1) for the average g-factor and J=−0.42(6) cm⁻¹ for the nearest neighbor exchange coupling (defined as H_ex=-∑J_ijS_i·S_j). This coupling is assigned to syn-anti equatorial-apical carboxylate bridges connecting Cu(II) ion neighbors at 5.682 Å, with a total bond length of 6.989 Å and is consistent with the magnetization isotherm results. It is discussed and compared with couplings observed in other compounds with similar exchange bridges. EPR spectra at 9.77 were obtained in powder samples and at 9.77 and at 34.1 GHz in the three orthogonal planes of single crystals. At both microwave frequencies, and for all magnetic field orientations a single signal arising from the collapse due to exchange interaction of resonances corresponding to two rotated Cu(II) sites is observed. From the EPR results the molecular g-tensors corresponding to the two copper sites in the unit cell were evaluated, allowing an estimated lower limit |J |>0.1 cm⁻¹ for the exchange interaction between Cu(II) neighbors, consistent with the magnetic measurements. The observed angular variation of the line width is attributed to dipolar coupling between Cu(II) ions in the lattice.     

Effect of Bi2O3 on EPR, optical transmission and DC conductivity of vanadyl doped alkali bismuth borate glasses

Glasses with composition xBi₂O₃·(30−x)M₂O·70B₂O₃ (M=Li, Na) containing 2 mol% V₂O₅ have been prepared over the range 0≤x≤15 (x is in mol%). The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of VO²⁺ of these glasses have been recorded in the X-band (≈9.3 GHz) at room temperature (RT≈300 K). Spin Hamiltonian parameters, g_∥, g_⊥, A_∥, A_⊥, dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter, P, and Fermi contact interaction parameter, K, have been calculated. The molecular orbital coefficients, α² and γ², have been calculated by recording the optical transmission spectra. In xBi₂O₃·(30−x)Li₂O·70B₂O₃ glasses there is decrease in the tetragonality of the V⁴⁺O₆ complex for x up to 6 mol% whereas for x≥6 mol%, tetragonality increases. In xBi₂O₃·(30−x)Na₂O·70B₂O₃ glasses there is increase in the tetragonality of the V⁴⁺O₆ complex with increasing x. The 3d_xy orbit expands with increase in Bi₂O₃:M₂O ratio. Values of the theoretical optical basicity, Λ_th, have also been reported. The DC conductivity increases with increase in temperature. The order of conductivity is 10⁻⁵ ohm⁻¹ m⁻¹ at low temperature and 10⁻³ ohm⁻¹ m⁻¹ at high temperature. The DC conductivity decreases and the activation energy increases with increase in Bi₂O₃:M₂O ratio.     

EPR parameters and local lattice structure study of V ions in CdCl2 and CsMgCl3 crystals

The local lattice structure and EPR parameters (D, g_‖, g_⊥) have been studied systematically on the basis of the complete energy matrix for a d³ configuration ion in a trigonal ligand field. By simulating the calculated optical and EPR spectra data to the experimental results, the local distortion parameters (ΔR, Δθ) are determined for V²⁺ ions in CdCl₂ and CsMgCl₃ crystals, respectively. The results show that the local lattice structure of CdCl₂:V²⁺ system exhibits a compression distortion (ΔR=−0.0868 Å) while that of CsMgCl₃:V²⁺ system exists an elongation distortion (ΔR=0.0165 Å). The different distortion may be ascribed to the fact that the radius of V²⁺ ion is smaller than that of Cd²⁺ ion or larger than that of Mg²⁺ ion. Moreover, the relationships between EPR parameter D and local structure parameters (R, θ) as well as the orbital reduction factor k and g‐factors (g_‖, g_⊥) are discussed.     

EPR, luminescence and IR studies of Mn activated ZnGa2O4 phosphor

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), luminescence and infrared spectra of Mn²⁺ ions doped in zinc gallate (ZnGa₂O₄) powder phosphor have been studied. The EPR spectra have been recorded for zinc gallate phosphor doped with different concentrations of Mn²⁺ ions. The EPR spectra exhibit characteristic spectrum of Mn²⁺ ions (S=I=5/2) with a sextet hyperfine pattern, centered at g_eff=2.00. At higher concentrations of Mn²⁺ ions, the intensity of the resonance signals decreases. The number of spins participating in the resonance has been measured as a function of temperature and the activation energy (E_a) is calculated. The EPR spectra of ZnGa₂O₄: Mn²⁺ have been recorded at various temperatures. From the EPR data, the paramagnetic susceptibility (χ) at various temperatures, the Curie constant (C) and the Curie temperature (θ) have been evaluated. The emission spectrum of ZnGa₂O₄: Mn²⁺ (0.08 mol%) exhibits two bands centered at 468 and 502 nm. The band observed at 502 nm is attributed to ⁴T₁→⁶A₁ transition of Mn²⁺ ions. The band observed at 468 nm is attributed to the trap-state transitions. The excitation spectrum exhibits two bands centered at 228 and 280 nm. The strong band at 228 nm is attributed to host-lattice absorption and the weak band at 280 nm is attributed to the charge-transfer absorption or d⁵→d⁴s transition band. The observed bands in the FT-IR spectrum are assigned to the stretching vibrations of M-O groups at octahedral and tetrahedral sites.     

EPR evidence of local lattice mode in K3H(SO4)2 and Rb3H(SO4)2 fast-proton conductors

The observation of an anomalous temperature dependence of Mn²⁺ EPR spectra linewidth and nonaxial crystal-field parameter in K₃H(SO₄)₂ and Rb₃H(SO₄)₂ allows one to suggest the presence of “local mode” predicted by Yamada (Ferroelectrics 170 (1995) 23). The activation energy for this kind of excitation was found and equals 11.3 (0.5) and 7.4 (0.3) meV for Mn²⁺ doped K₃H(SO₄)₂ and Rb₃H(SO₄)₂, respectively.     

Effect of WO3 on EPR, structure and electrical conductivity of vanadyl doped WO3·M2O·B2O3 (M=Li, Na) glasses

Glasses with composition xWO₃·(30−x)M₂O·70B₂O₃ (M=Li, Na; 0≤x≤15) doped with 2 mol% V₂O₅ have been prepared using the melt-quench technique. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra have been recorded in X-band (ν≈9.14 GHz) at room temperature (RT). The spin Hamiltonian parameters, dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter and Fermi contact interaction parameter have been calculated. It is observed that the resultant resonance spectra contain hyperfine structures (hfs) only due to V⁴⁺ ions, which exist as VO²⁺ ions in octahedral coordination with a tetragonal compression in the present glass system. The tetragonality increases with WO₃:M₂O ratio and also there is an expansion of 3d_xy orbit of unpaired electron in the vanadium ion. The study of IR transmission spectra over a range 400-4000 cm⁻¹ depicts the presence of WO₆ group. The DC conductivity (σ) has been measured in the temperature range 423-623 K and is found to be predominantly ionic.     

Structural characterisation of [Cu2(bptd) (H2O) Cl4] and [Ni2(bptd)2(H2O)4] Cl4·3H2O; evidence of null intramolecular exchanges by EPR and magnetic measurements

Using the 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (bptd), we recently prepared [Cu₂(bptd) (H₂O) Cl₄] and [Ni₂(bptd)₂ (H₂O)₄] Cl₄, 3H₂O in which the magnetic centres are connected through one diazine+one chloro and two diazine ligand bridges, respectively. These two compounds are the first examples that show null intramolecular magnetic interactions despite M-M distances close to 3.7 Å within perfectly planar edifices:Down to , [Cu₂(bptd)Cl₄(H₂O)] is paramagnetic while, below T_t, half of the Cu²⁺ions interact, leading to residual paramagnetism of one Cu²⁺/f.u. Magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR and pulsed EPR study indicate the original intermolecular nature of AF exchanges.[Ni₂(bptd)₂(H₂O)₄]Cl₄·3H₂O susceptibility obeys a Curie-law involving pure paramagnetism. Moreover, its EPR spectrum can be interpreted on the basis of virtual S=1 monomers. Below 70 K, Zero Field Splitting (D∼275 G) due to dipolar interactions without magnetic exchanges could be responsible for the LT spectra splitting. For both compounds, the thia role is suggested as partially responsible for the null-in-plane magnetic exchanges.     

Optical decoherence and persistent spectral hole burning in Tm:LiNbO3

We report studies of decoherence and spectral hole burning for the 794 nm optical transition of thulium-doped lithium niobate. In addition to transient spectral holes due to the ³H₄ and ³F₄ excited states of Tm³⁺, persistent spectral holes with lifetimes of up to minutes were observed when a magnetic field of a few hundred Gauss was applied. The observed anti-hole structure identified the hole burning mechanism as population storage in the ¹⁶⁹Tm nuclear hyperfine levels. In addition, the magnetic field was effective in suppressing spectral diffusion, increasing the phase memory lifetime from 11 μs at zero field to 23 μs in a field of 320 Gauss applied along the crystal’s c-axis. Coupling between Tm³⁺ and the ⁷Li and ⁹³Nb spins in the host lattice was also observed and a quadrupole shift of 22 kHz was measured for ⁷Li at 1.7 K. A Stark shift of 18 kHz cm/V was measured for the optical transition with the electric field applied parallel to the c-axis.     

Theoretical explanation of g factors for Ti ions in LiNbO3 and LiTaO3 crystals

The EPR g factors g_// and g_⊥ for Ti³⁺ ions at the trigonal octahedral Li⁺ sites of LiNbO₃ and LiTaO₃ crystals are calculated from the third-order perturbation formulas of g factors for 3d¹ ion in trigonal symmetry. In the calculations, the crystal-field parameters are obtained from the structural data by using the superposition model. The calculated values are in reasonable agreement with the observed values. The results are discussed.     

EPR and magnetic susceptibility studies of iron ions in ZnO-Fe2O3-SiO2-CaO-P2O5-Na2O glasses

Room temperature electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra and temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility data have been obtained on bulk x(ZnO,Fe₂O₃)(65−x)SiO₂20(CaO, P₂O₅)15Na₂O (6≤x≤21 mole%) glasses prepared by melt quenching method. EPR spectra of the glasses revealed absorptions centered at g≈2.1 and 4.3. The variations of the intensity and line width of these absorption lines with composition have been interpreted in terms of the variation in the concentration of the Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions in the glass and the interaction between the iron ions. EPR and magnetic susceptibility data of the glasses reveal that both Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions are present in the glasses, with their relative concentration being dependent on the glass composition. The studies reveal superexchange type interactions in these glasses, which are strongly dependent on their iron content.     

Investigation on upconversion photoluminescence of Bi3TiNbO9:Er:Yb thin films

Bi₃TiNbO₉:Er³⁺:Yb³⁺ (BTNEY) thin films were fabricated on fused silica by pulsed laser deposition. It was demonstrated that different laser fluence and substrate temperature during growth of BTNEY upconversion photoluminescence (UC-PL) samples control the film’s grain size and hence influences the UC-PL properties. The average grain size of BTNEY thin films deposited on fused silica substrates with laser fluence 4, 5, 6, and 7 J/cm² are 30.8, 35.9, 40.6, and 43.4 nm, respectively. The 525 nm emission intensities increase with the deposition laser fluence and the emission intensities of BTNEY thin film deposited under 700 and 600 °C are almost 24 and 4 times, respectively, as strong as those of samples under 500 °C. The grain size of BTNEY thin film increases with the increasing temperature. UC-PL of BTNEY films is enhanced by increasing grain size of the films.