Layered architectures of laser ceramics

Polycrystalline YAG transparent ceramics activated with different Er3+ concentrations have been prepared by the vacuum sintering technique using commercial oxides. The effects of the sintering conditions on the optical quality of the samples have been investigated. The absorption and emission spectra and the decay profiles of the visible emitting levels have been measured at different temperatures. Preliminary studies concerning the Yb3+-> Er3+ energy transfer process in the YAG:Er(1%), Yb(5%) co-doped system are presented and discussed.