Synthesis of Er(3+):YAG Nanocrystals and Comparative Spectroscopic Analysis with Bulk Counterparts

Single-crystal Er(3+):YAG has long been used as a laser material, and recent work has shown polycrystalline ceramic Er(3+):YAG to be a suitable laser material, with benefits of lower cost and easier production. However, relatively little work has been done with the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of Er(3+):YAG nanocrystals. In this work, we present the synthesis of nanocrystalline Er(3+):YAG and the results of comparative spectroscopic characterization with single-crystal and polycrystalline ceramic counterparts. The results show good agreement between the optical properties of the three hosts, with the nanocrystals demonstrating relatively higher intensity in the 1.53 [Formula: see text] m emission. These results demonstrate the viability of Er(3+):YAG nanocrystals as a potential laser material.