Site-selective spectroscopy of Ce3+ and Yb3+ ions in double-doped SrAlF5 crystals

This paper reports a study of absorption, luminescence and excitation spectra of single- and double-doped Ce3+,Yb3+:SrAlF5 (0.5 at%.) single crystals. Spectral properties of different types of impurity centers of Ce3+, Yb3+ and Yb2+ ions are described. Experimental energy level diagrams for optically nonequivalent Ce3+, Yb2+ and Yb3+ centers in double-doped Ce3+, Yb3+: SrAlF5 single crystals are suggested. Lasing on Ce:SAF single crystal at 290 nm under 248 nm pumping was demonstrated for the first time. -- Highlights: • Several optically nonequivalent dopant centers are formed in dielectric UV active media. • Degradation of optical and laser properties under UV excitation in active media. • Analysis of Yb-codoping influence on spectral and kinetic properties of the active media. • Experimental energy level diagrams for optically nonequivalent Ce3+, Yb2+ and Yb3+ optical centers. • Lasing on Ce:SAF single crystal at 290 nm under 248 nm pumping was demonstrated