Enhanced 2.86 μm emission of Ho 3+ ,Pr 3+ -codoped LaF 3 single crystal

A novel Ho3+, Pr3+-codoped LaF3 mid-IR laser crystal was successfully grown and analyzed. Enhanced emission at similar to 2.86 mu m was observed for the first time. The effect of Pr3+ co-doping on the similar to 2.86 mu m photoluminescence of Ho3+ was investigated. Compared with Ho3+ singly-doped LaF3 crystal, the Ho3+, Pr3+-codoped LaF3 crystal possessed stronger emission intensities at similar to 2.86 mu m. It was also found that the energy transfer efficiency of Ho3+: I-5(7) -> Pr3+: F-3(2) (71%) is much greater than that of Ho3+: I-5(6) -> Pr3+: F-3(4) (28%), which almost restrained the self-termination problem in this Ho3+:Pr3+:LaF3 crystal. All the results indicated that Ho:Pr:LaF3 crystal is an attractive laser medium for similar to 2.86 mu m laser applications. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America.