Crystal growth and spectroscopic properties of Er³⁺ ions doped CdF₂ single crystals

Single crystals of Er³⁺:CdF₂ with good optical quality were grown by a Bridgman technique after purification of the starting materials. Absorption and emission spectra are recorded at room temperature. The Judd–Ofelt (JO) analysis was applied to obtain the three phenomenological intensity parameters and the transition strengths. These JO parameters are used to calculate the radiative transition probabilities, the radiation lifetimes and the branching ratios. The results obtained are in good agreement with those of other fluoride laser materials. We also carried out luminescence measurements for red and green emission. The studied host may offer infrared and visible laser emissions. (paper)