Spectroscopy of interconfiguration 4f–5d transitions of $\mathrm{Ce}^{3+}$ ions in ferroelectric crystals of $\mathrm{SrAlF}_5$

The article deals with spectral-kinetic and optical amplification properties associated with 4f–5d transitions of $\mathrm{Ce}^{3+}$ ions in $\mathrm{SrAlF}_5$ ferroelectric crystals. Solarization (color center formation) processes of $\mathrm{SrAlF}_5$ single crystals doped by $\mathrm{Ce}^{3+}$ ions and double-doped by $\mathrm{Ce}^{3+}$ and $\mathrm{Yb}^{3+}$ ions under strong UV radiation were investigated. Optical amplification in 4f–5d transition range was observed for the first time.