Inhomogeneous broadening and splitting of lines in spectra of YAG : Tm

Abstract The shape and fine structure of lines due to Tm 3+ f − f electronic transitions in multifunctional Y 3 Al 5 O 12 garnet crystals have been studied by high-resolution spectroscopy. The observed inhomogeneously broadened lines have a Lorentzian shape, suggesting that point defects make a predominant contribution to the inhomogeneous broadening. Moreover, Y Al antisite defects, which are formed during high-temperature melt growth, produce spectral satellites near the main lines.