Fluorescence dynamics, excited-state absorption, and stimulated emission of Er3+ in KY(WO4)2

The fluorescence dynamics from excited states of Er3+ in KY(WO4)(2) are compared with Judd-Ofelt-theory calculations, and spectroscopic parameters of the promising laser transitions from the I-4(13/2), I-4(11/2), and S-4(3/2) levels are determined. The cw excited-state absorption spectra of Er3+-doped KY(WO4)(2) are measured with a pump-and-probe technique and analyzed in the spectral range from 500 nm to 1800 nm. Energy transfer between Yb3+ and Er3+ ions in codoped KY(WO4)(2) is investigated. Laser action near 1.54 mu m under Ti:sapphire and diode-laser pumping is obtained in Er,Yb:KY(WO4)(2). (C) 1998 Optical Society of America [S0740-3224(98)04302-1].