Crystal growth, spectroscopic properties and energy levels of Cr3+:Li2Mg2(WO4)3: a candidate for broadband laser application

Abstract

This paper reports the growth, spectroscopic properties and crystal field characterization of Cr³⁺ doped Li₂Mg₂(WO₄)₃ crystal. Cr³⁺:Li₂Mg₂(WO₄)₃ crystal with dimension of Ø 40 × 10 mm² has been grown by TSSG (top-seeded solution growth) method for the first time. This crystal shows strong absorption in the visible wavelength range and strong emission in the near-infrared wavelength range. The absorption cross section of Cr³⁺:Li₂Mg₂(WO₄)₃ crystal is 12.94 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² at 480 nm and 7.89 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² at 680 nm, respectively. The luminescent decay property reveals that there are two types of lattice sites occupied by Cr³⁺ ion in Li₂Mg₂(WO₄)₃. The crystal field, electron-vibration coupling and energy levels splitting of Cr³⁺:Li₂Mg₂(WO₄)₃ crystal have been discussed.