Influence of Ce3+ ions on the spectroscopic and lasing properties of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+:Er3+ and Gd3Ga5O12:Ce3+:Er3+ crystals

An investigation was made of the feasibility of sensitizing the luminescence of Er³⁺ ions by Ce³⁺ ions in YAG and gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) crystals. Efficient nonradiative transfer of energy from Ce to Er was observed in the YAG matrix. No sensitization was observed in a GGG:Er:Ce crystal. Flashlamp pumping of a YAG:Er:Ce crystal (λ = 2.94 μm) yielded a free-running threshold of 52 J and a differential efficiency of 2.1%. Coactivation of GGG:Er crystals with Ce³⁺ ions can extend the pump spectrum into the ultraviolet and enhance the lasing efficiency.