Tm{sup 3+}:Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} investigated for a quantum light storage application

In this paper, we investigate a new medium for quantum light storage in crystals. Indeed, Tm{sup 3+}:Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} exhibits all the features that are currently considered crucial for a storage protocol. First, optical measurements confirm our crystal-field analysis. Then, we explain how to tailor a three-level {lambda} system and ultimately measure the Stark coefficient in this material. To our knowledge, these properties have not been investigated at the same time in a thulium based crystal, for which both the operating wavelength and an adjustable storage bandwidth are significant assets that other rare-earth ions lack.