Optical properties of Dy3+ doped yttrium-aluminium borate

A Dy3+ doped yttrium-aluminium borate (Dy:YAB) crystal has been optically characterized. The refractive indices at seven different wavelengths, ranging from the visible to the near infrared (IR), have been measured and the Sellmeier curves have been calculated. The polarized optical absorption spectra have been obtained at room temperature, and the Judd-Ofelt parameters have been calculated. The lifetime of the upper laser level 4F9/2 has been estimated and compared with the experimental value. Evidence of high luminescence quantum efficiency of the 4F9/2 state in YAB is provided by measured lifetimes.