Optical spectra of Tm3+ doped NaBi(WO4)2

Tin doped NaBi(WO4)(2) of good optical quality with sizes of about 20 min x 20 mm x 40 mm was grown successfully by the Czochralski technique. The absorption spectra for both sigma- and pi-polarizations were recorded at room temperature. Based upon these data, the oscillator strengths and radiative transition rates were evaluated. The sigma- and pi-polarized emission spectra together with the fluorescence decay curve were also obtained. The emission cross-section of the potential laser transition at 1460 nm was determined to be 1.49 x 10(-19) cm(2). The results show that Tm3+:NaBi(WO4)(2) crystal is a promising laser material. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.