Site-selective laser spectroscopy of deuterated SrF2:Er3+

Abstract
Laser selective excitation and optical absorption of deuterated SrF2:0.05% Er3+ crystals have revealed eight Er3+ ion centers involving D ion charge compensation, nine new Er3+–F centers not associated with D ions and several approximately cubic symmetry Er3+ centers. In contrast to the trigonal symmetry of the principal F center, the dominant arrangements in the D ion charge compensation case are derived from a tetragonal symmetry center. Detailed spectroscopic results for the new centers are presented. Fluorescence polarization ratios are listed for three centers ( J, B, and G1) present in either SrF2:Er3+ or CaF2:Er3+ and crystal‐field analyses of these, based on assumed trigonal symmetry, are also reported.