Fine structure of spectral lines in LiYF4:Er3+ due to isotopic disorder in the lattice

Abstract

We report the first observation of the resolved structure in the 4I(15/2) → 4I(13/2) infrared transition of LiYF4:Er caused by lithium isotopes of the lattice. Isotope shifts Of 0.019 and 0.016 cm-1 and inhomogeneous linewidths of 0.010 and 0.007 cm-1 were measured for the lines 6534.3 and 6538.3 cm-1, respectively. Unresolved structure due to different erbium isotopes totals ~ 0.010 cm-1. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.