Structural, spectral-luminescent, and lasing properties of nanostructured Tm : CaF2ceramics

The structure and the spectral-luminescent properties of CaF2 — TmF3 fluoride ceramics and single crystals are studied. AFM investigations revealed a layered nanostructure of grains, which was not observed in reference samples of single crystals. It is found that the spectral-luminescent properties of CaF2 — TmF3 ceramics and single crystals are similar. Lasing at the 3F4 → 3H6 transition of Tm3+ ions in CaF2 — TmF3 ceramics (wavelength 1898 nm) under diode pimping is obtained for the first time.