Spectroscopic properties of praseodymium-doped YVO4 crystal grown by the Czochralski technique

Optical absorption and emission spectra of YVO4 crystal containing 1 at.% of praseodymium have been measured at 4.2 and 300 K. Absorption spectra recorded with polarised light at 4.2 K are found to be strongly inhomogeneously broadened but generally consistent with selection rules for D2d local symmetry except for the 3H4(1)-3F2 transition. Extensive vibronic side-bands of electronic lines corresponding to transitions from the ground 3H4(1) state to the 3P0 and 3P1 states have been observed. Luminescence decay curves have been recorded at several temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K. Strong dependence of the 1D2 lifetime on sample temperature and lack of the 3P0 emission at any temperature between 4.2 and 300 K has been discussed