Optical Spectra and Energy Levels of Erbium-Doped Yttrium Orthoaluminate

The absorption and emission spectra of YAlO3:Er3+ were recorded photographically in the spectral region 12 000–40 000 cm−1. Catalogs of the absorption and emission lines are presented; line strength data are given for the absorption lines. From these spectra, 104 energy levels of YAlO3:Er3+ from 0 to 40 000 cm−1 were deduced and are presented. These comprise the crystal field components of 22 of the 24 Er3+ free ion levels occurring below 40 000 cm−1. A free ion calculation was carried out. The free ion parameters that minimize the rms deviation between calculated and observed centers of gravity are E1=6786.3, E2=32.415, E3=643.27, ζ=2380.7, α =21.721, β =−683.43, and γ=389.03 cm−1. Reasons for the absence of the 2P1/2 and 4G5/2 lines from the absorption data are discussed.