Energy transfer processes in crystalline Er3+,Yb3+:Sc2O3

The energy transfer from Yb³⁺ to Er³⁺ in crystalline Sc₂O₃ is studied using continuous wave (cw)-excitation method and Yb³⁺ ions excitation in the sample by pulsed optical parametrical oscillators. Crystalline Sc₂O₃ films with different Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ concentrations are grown on alpha-Al₂O₃ substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Laser-experiments with codoped Er³⁺(0.23%),Yb³⁺(0.4%):Sc₂O₃ and Er3+(0.2%):Sc₂O₃ are compared, and results reveal that the lower efficiency in the codoped case is in good accordance with the measured transfer efficiency.