Optical spectroscopy and laser parameters of GdVO4:Er3+

The polarized absorption and emission spectra and the fluorescence dynamics of GdVO4:Er3+ have been measured. The energy level scheme was deduced from the low-temperature spectra and reproduced by standard CF calculations. The Judd–Ofelt parametrization scheme has been applied to the analysis of the room temperature absorption spectra in order to evaluate the intensity parameters, the branching ratios and the radiative lifetimes of the emitting states. These have been compared with the experimental values. The stimulated emission cross-section has been evaluated for the 4I13/2→4I15/2 emission transition located in the 1.5 μm region, indicating that the title compound is a promising active medium for applications in the telecommunication technology.