Absorption intensities and emission cross section of Er3+ in Sc2O3 transparent ceramics

Spectroscopic investigation of Er3+ doped Sc2O3 transparent ceramics was performed in order to assess its potential as a laser material for different emission wavelengths. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters for the f-f transitions of the C2-symmetry center of Er3+ in Sc2O3 transparent ceramics, inferred from the room temperature absolute intensities of the absorption bands in the 370–1600nm range, are Ω2=3.57×10−20cm2, Ω4=1.61×10−20cm2, and Ω6=0.79×10−20cm2. These parameters are comparable to those reported for Er3+ in other sesquioxide single crystals. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters are used to determine the emission probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and branching ratios of the different Er3+ transitions. The emission cross sections of the potential laser transitions at ∼1.5μm were determined using the reciprocity method, and the potential laser gain versus wavelength for the I13∕24→I15∕24 was analyzed.