Investigation of the optical properties of Nd3+-doped LaF3 and YLiF4 in the deep ultraviolet (DUV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region

Abstract

This work reports the optical properties of Nd³⁺-doped LaF₃ and YLiF₄. The absorption edge of Nd³⁺-doped LaF₃ and YLiF₄ is at 165 nm and 179 nm, respectively. The fluorescence peak for Nd³⁺:LaF₃ is at 172 nm. In contrast to Nd³⁺:LaF₃, Nd3+:YLiF₄ exhibited two fluorescence peaks, first at 181 nm and second at 185 nm. Fluorescence from Nd³⁺:LaF₃ decayed with a lifetime of 15.3 ns while that from Nd³⁺:YLiF₄ decayed with a 26.7 ns lifetime.