Holeburning in rare earth doped nanoparticles of MgS

In this paper we report the optical holeburning in nanoparticles of Eu-doped in MgS. In the form of microparticles and thin films MgS:Eu is known to have very favorable characteristics for spectral holeburning-based memories. Nanoparticles of MgS:Eu have been produced by quench condensing the laser ablated vapors from a solid target. The pressure of the ambient gas in the chamber has been used to control the size of particles. Our experiments produced particles as small as 3 nm in diameter. Results are presented on holeburning characteristics of nanoparticles, especially, their thermal behavior. These results are discussed with reference to rare earth based high-density memories.