Optical and Electron-Spin-Resonance Spectra of Yb3+, Nd3+, and Cr3+ in LiNbO3 and LiTaO3

Abstract

The results of optical-spectroscopic and electron-spin-resonance (ESR) studies of ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$, ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$, and ${\mathrm{Cr}}^{3+}$ impurities are presented. The spectra of ${\mathrm{Yb}}^{3+}$ are discussed in detail. Crystal-field parameters are obtained to fit the energy levels and the ESR results on the ground state. These parameters are not obtained by a least-squares fit but rather by physical considerations as to where, on the threefold axis, the ion could be to give crystal-field parameter ratios that can be used to fit the experimental results.