Single Crystals of YAlO3:Er for 1.6 μm Spectral Range Lasers

Single crystals of YAlO3-Er (YAP:Er) are grown by the Bridgman method from melts with different Y/Al ratio. The structural defects and color centers are compared for Y/Al = 1 and Y/Al > 1, as well as formed in the processes of gamma-irradiation and thermal treatment. Based on the obtained data, the growth conditions of YAP:Er crystals free of color centers and twins are determined. Spectral-luminescent properties of crystals are investigated: the absorption and luminescent spectra are registered in the polarized light, the luminescence kinetics is investigated and the lifetime of the 4I13/2 level of Er3+ ion is determined.