Spin-lattice relaxation in the excited (4)S(3/2) state of Er(3+) in LaF(3).
We have employed a purely optical method to measure spin-lattice relaxation in the lower excited (4)S(3/2) state of Er(3+) in LaF(3) at helium temperatures. Above 3 K the relaxation is dominated by an Orbach process through the upper (4)S(3/2) state. Below 3 K the relaxation is caused by some residual mechanism that obscures the Kramers-Van Vleck direct process. By relating the Orbach relaxation measurements to the homogeneous broadening of the upper (4)S(3/2) level, we determine values of the transition rates between the upper and lower (4)S(3/2) states.
Broer
M M
MM
Hegarty
J
J
Imbusch
G F
GF
Yen
W M
WM