In-depth study of emission dynamics in (Dy,Tb):LuAG transparent ceramics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Spectroscopy
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG) is a promising host for rare-earth doped laser materials.
• Dysprosium (Dy³⁺) and Terbium (Tb³⁺) ions are known for their luminescence properties, particularly in the yellow and green regions, respectively.
• Co-doping with Tb³⁺ may enhance the yellow emission of Dy³⁺ in laser applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and spectroscopically characterize Dy³⁺:LuAG ceramics co-doped with Tb³⁺.
• To evaluate the potential of these co-doped ceramics as yellow-emitting laser materials.
• To investigate the energy transfer mechanisms between Tb³⁺ and Dy³⁺ and their effect on emission.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Dy:LuAG ceramics co-doped with Tb³⁺ using vacuum pre-sintering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP).
• Spectroscopic characterization including absorption and emission measurements at room temperature and 10 K.
• Application of the Judd-Ofelt parametrization scheme to analyze absorption transitions and estimate radiative properties.
• Investigation of excited state dynamics and energy transfer processes via decay profile analysis.

Main Results:

• The Judd-Ofelt parameters for Dy³⁺ in LuAG were determined, enabling estimation of radiative properties.
• Low-temperature emission measurements revealed Stark structures of Tb³⁺ and Dy³⁺, indicating efficient energy transfer.
• Room-temperature studies elucidated the excited state dynamics and confirmed the beneficial effect of Tb³⁺ co-doping on Dy³⁺ yellow emission.

Conclusions:

• Dy:LuAG ceramics co-doped with Tb³⁺ are successfully fabricated and characterized.
• The spectroscopic analysis confirms the potential of these materials for yellow laser applications.
• Efficient energy transfer from Tb³⁺ to Dy³⁺ enhances the yellow emission, validating the co-doping strategy.