Selective visible and near-IR emission of Er2O3 excited by a 10.6-μm CO2 laser

The results of video and spectral studies of intense selective visible and near-IR emission of Er₂O₃ powder excited by a 10.6-μm CO₂ laser are presented. The selective emission spectra in the range 460–1700 nm correspond to the Er³⁺ spectra observed upon cathode-, photo- and thermal excitations. Conversion of the CO₂-laser radiation into selective emission is attributed to the excitation of the ⁴I_13/2 energy levels by fluctuations of the local vibration amplitudes and up-conversion transitions to higher energy levels of Er³⁺. Selective emission is applicable for visualisation and digital photo and video recording of laser radiation corresponding to the absorption spectra of oxide screens and conversion of heat into laser radiation upon resonance narrowband pumping of active media in the visible and IR spectral regions.