Growth and spectroscopic properties of Tm3+ doped YPO4 crystal.

A good quality single crystal of Tm3+ doped YPO4 crystal was grown utilizing the flux method using a lead or molybdenum free flux. The spectroscopic properties of the crystal were investigated. The absorption cross-section of Tm3+:YPO4 at 791 nm is as large as 3.09 × 10−20 cm2. The intensity parameters Ω2,4,6, radiative transition rates, branching ratios and radiative lifetime were calculated by using the Judd–Ofelt theory. The strong experimental emission cross-section has an astounding value of 6.71 × 10−20 cm2 and is located at 1802 nm. All the results indicate that the Tm3+:YPO4 crystal is a potential laser medium crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]