(Lu0.3Gd0.7)2SiO5:Y3+ single crystals grown by the laser floating zone method: structural and optical studies

Abstract

Highly transparent (Lu_0.3Gd_0.7)₂SiO₅:Y³⁺ (5 at%) single crystals were obtained by the laser floating zone (LFZ) technique in air at 10 mm h⁻¹. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) allowed observation of homogeneous crystalline fibres of B-type oxyorthosilicates with a C2/c monoclinic structure, as revealed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy studies. Optical measurements on 0.32 mm thick samples revealed ∼86% transmission in the visible-NIR range, together with intense intra 4f⁷ transitions of Gd³⁺ ions from the ⁸S_7/2 ground state in the UV region. Additionally, as a good indication of being a host matrix for photonic applications, a wide bandgap favouring the introduction of energy levels in the forbidden band was observed in these materials through photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) studies.