Selective distribution of dopants among MO6 octahedra in RbTi0.927Nb0.056Er0.017OPO4: a neutron diffraction study

摘要

Codoping RbTiOPO4 crystals (RTP) with Er3+ and Nb5+ is interesting in order to merge the rare earth ion photoluminescence and the non-linear optical properties of the matrix, favouring self-induced effects. Using RTP crystals doped with Nb5+, a concentration of Er3+ similar to that obtained in other laser matrices was achieved. In this work, the structure of RbTi0.927Nb0.056Er0.017OPO4 has been thoroughly studied by high-resolution neutron diffraction. Particular attention has been paid to the positions occupied by Er3+ and Nb5+ in the structure and the distortion of their respective coordination polyhedra. Finally, the second-harmonic generation efficiency of the sample has been determined and compared to other members of the family. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved. [References: 16]