Investigation of gain characteristics in mixed crystals LiMeF4 (Me = Y,Lu, Yb) doped by Ce3+ ions

Differential gain spectra in the range 295–335 nm were measured in crystals of scheelite structure LiY_{1 ? x} Lu _x F₄ (x = 0–1), doped by Ce³⁺ ions. It is shown that variation of Lu³⁺ and Y³⁺ ions relative content in LiY_{1 ? x} Lu _x F₄ crystals allows to manipulate the spectral width of the amplification band. Cross-sections of excited-state absorption at the wavelengths of Ce³⁺ luminescence, probability ratios of formation and thermal destruction of color centers depending on the Y³⁺ ions content in LiY_{1 ? x} Lu _x F₄ crystals were estimated. Even better gain characteristics have been demonstrated by LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺, doped by Yb³⁺ ions. The highest optical gain coefficient with a wide amplification band among studied samples was observed in LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺ crystal, codoped by Yb³⁺ ions.