Growth, spectroscopic properties, and energy levels of Cr³⁺ doped LuScO₃ crystal

High-quality Cr:LuScO 3 crystals were grown by the FZ (floating zone) method. The absorption spectra from 400 nm to 750 nm were tested at room temperature. The absorption cross-sections (σ abs ) of 0.5at.% and 1at.% Cr 3+ :LuScO 3 were calculated to be 0.70×10 −20 cm 2 and 0.64×10 −20 cm 2 at 483 nm corresponding to the 4 A 2 → 4 T 1 transition, and 0.30×10 −20 cm 2 and 0.27×10 −20 cm 2 at 661 nm corresponding to the 4 A 2 → 4 T 2 transition, respectively. The transition Cr 3+ : 4 T 2 → 4 A 2 in 1at.% Cr 3+ :LuScO 3 exhibited a broad emission band with the FWHM value reaching up to 297 nm and the emission cross-section (σ em ) was 2.35×10 −20 cm 2 . From the spectra, the crystal field parameter (Dq) was calculated to be 1513 cm -1 , Racah B and C were 544 cm -1 and 3331 cm -1 , respectively. All the results indicated the great application potential of Cr 3+ :LuScO 3 crystals in the field of ultrafast lasers.