Tb³⁺ doped La₂CaB₁₀O₁₉ (Tb:LCB) crystal with dimensions of 60 × 26 × 22 mm³ has been grown by the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis shows that the introduction of Tb³⁺ does not change the structure of LCB crystal. Tb³⁺ content was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to be 3.76 × 10²⁰ ions/cm³. The principal refractive indices of Tb:LCB crystal were accurately measured at room temperature by using the minimum deviation method, and Sellmeier equations were fitted. The unpolarized absorption and emission spectra were measured at room temperature by using X-, Y-, and Z-cut crystals. According to the Judd–Ofelt theory, the spontaneous transition probabilities, fluorescence branch ratio, and radiation lifetime of ⁵D₄ state were calculated. The unpolarized and polarized emission properties under the 368 nm excitation were also evaluated. The decay time of the 543 nm emission corresponding to ⁵D₄–⁷F₅ transition was measured. The experimental results agree well with the calculated ones.

Optical Materials, 2015

Photograph of Tb:LCB crystal grown by the top-seeded solution growth method.