Crystal growth, spectral properties and Judd-Ofelt analysis of Pr: CaF₂-YF₃

The 0.6 at.% Pr³⁺-doped CaF₂-YF₃ crystal was successfully grown by the temperature gradient technique (TGT). X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the grown crystal still had cubic structure. The absorption spectrum, emission spectrum, Judd-Ofelt analysis and fluorescence decay curve at room temperature were discussed. The fluorescence lifetime of Pr: CaF₂-YF₃ crystal was 45.46 μs, and the σ_em·τ of ³P₀→³H₆ and ³P₀→³F₂ transitions were calculated to be 80.92×10^-20 cm²·μs and 388.7×10^-20 cm²·μs, respectively. The FWHMs are 20.1 nm and 6.8 nm, which are higher than those of Pr: LiYF₄, Pr: LiLuF₄, Pr: LiGdF₄ and Pr: BaY₂F₈ crystals. The results show that the Pr: CaF₂-YF₃ crystal is expected to achieve 605 nm orange light and 642 nm red light laser operation.