Polarized spectral properties of Sm3+:LiYF4 crystal

A trivalent samarium-doped LiYF4 single crystal was grown by the vertical Bridgman technique. Its polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra and fluorescence decay curves were recorded at room temperature. On the basis of the Judd–Ofelt theory, the spectral parameters of the Sm3+:LiYF4 crystal were calculated. The emission cross sections for the 4G5/2→6HJ(J=5/2, 7/2. 9/2, and 11/2) transitions of special interest for visible laser application were obtained by the Fuchtbauer–Ladenburg formula. -- Highlights: • Polarized spectral properties of Sm3+:LiYF4 crystal at room temperature were analyzed in detail. • The emission cross sections for the transitions of special interest for visible laser application are calculated. • Sm3+:LiYF4 is a promising laser material for 401 nm GaN LD pumped 605 nm visible laser