Spectroscopic analysis of Pr3+:Gd3Ga5O12 crystal as visible laser material

Pr3+-doped Gd3Ga5O12 single crystal is potentially good for generations of new lasers at visible range. The absorption and emission spectra of this crystal were measured at room temperature, as well as its fluorescence decay curves. Standard and modified Judd-Ofelt theories were used to analyze its intensity parameters, and the fluorescence properties for the P-3(0) emitting multiplet were predicted. To characterize the existence of the P-3(0) -> F-3(3) and P-3(0) -> H-3(5) transitions, which violate the selection rules of electric dipole transition, we also introduced the experimental branching ratio to reflect practical portion of transitions from P-3(0) multiplet. The stimulated emission cross sections of the promising laser transitions were then calculated and compared with other crystals which had realized efficient visible laser emissions. By analysing the spectroscopic properties we have showed that the Pr:GGG is an excellent candidate for solid state laser materials. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.