Optical properties of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped transparent PLZT ceramic

Optical absorption and emission spectra of Er3+/Yb3+ ions in PLZT (Pb1-xLaxZryTi1-yO3) ceramic have been studied. Based on the Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory, the J-O intensity parameters were calculated to be Omega(2) = 2.021 x 10(-2)0 cm(2), Omega(4) = 0.423 x 10(-20) cm(2), Omega(6) = 0.051 x 10(-20) cm(2) from the absorption spectrum of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped PLZT, The J-O intensity parameters have been used to calculate the radiative lifetimes and the branching ratios for some excited I-4(13/2), I-4(11/2), I-4(9/2) F-4(9/2), and S-4(3/2) levels of Er3+ ion, The stimulated emission cross-section (8.24 x 10(-21) cm(2)) was evaluated for the I-4(13/2) -> I-4(15/2) transition of Er3+. The upconversion emissions at 538, 564, and 666 mn have been observed in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped PLZT by exciting at 980 rim, and their origins were identified and analyzed. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.