Optical properties of Sm3+ doped Mg:LiNbO3 and Zn:LiNbO3 single crystals

Abstract Sm 3+ doped Mg:LiNbO 3 and Zn:LiNbO 3 are grown by Czochralski method. Optical transmittance and emission spectra are measured and Judd–Ofelt theory is applied to determine phenomenological intensity parameters, oscillator strengths, radiant transition rates, total radiant lifetimes, and branching ratios. The calculations show that Judd–Ofelt parameters with the relation of Ω 4  > Ω 2  > Ω 6 exist, and ΣΩ ξ ( ξ  = 2, 4 and 6) in Sm:Zn:LiNbO 3 decreases. Fluorescence spectra indicate that visible fluorescence of Sm 3+ is made up of 570, 606, 613 and 654 nm emission bands in these crystals under 409 nm excitation.