Fluorescence analysis of chromium-doped forsterite (Mg/sub 2/SiO/sub 4/)

The polarized absorption spectra, emission spectra, and fluorescence dynamics of Cr:forsterite are presented and analyzed in detail. At least three different kinds of emitting centers are identified by time-resolved spectroscopy. These correspond to two sorts of octahedrally coordinated Cr/sup 3+/ ions and one Cr/sup 4+/ with various possible environments. The infrared laser active center is identified with the latter species, and its infrared absorption and emission properties are attributed to excited state-ground state optical transitions without any thermalization process into the excited state.<
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