Time-resolved pump-probe measurements of UV material cerium-doped BYF

摘要

We present the results of an investigation of the spectroscopic properties of Ce~(3+): BaY_2F_8 (BYF), which is a potential laser material with an emission wavelength range from 320 nm to 360 nm. We have employed a time-resolved pump-probe technique to investigate the polarization-dependent absorption and emission properties, and the dynamic color centre formation process. We observe strong absorption from colour centres with millisecond and second lifetimes that will certainly prevent laser action with the crystals used here. Evidence suggests that there may be potential gain in this crystal if long-lived colour centres can be reduced.