Photodynamic Processes and Lasing in Ce,Yb:LiY

Measurements of photoconductivity were conducted in LiYXLu1-XF4:RE (RE = Ce(1%), Yb (1%); x = 0..1) crystals. It was found that the excited state absorption transitions of Ce3+ ions are intracenter and terminate at 6s state of cerium ions. Lasing at room temperature was achieved, differential gain (up to ~22%) and tuning range were determined. By lowering the temperature of the active element and using additional antisolarant pumping at 532 nm lasing differential gain efficiency was increased (up to ~ 35%), and the tuning range was expanded