Abstract

Energy transfer rates between Ho and Tm are calculated using a derived energy transfer formulation based on the classical Dexter theory but having several fundamental changes to better approximate laser materials. Energy levels and transition probabilities needed to evaluate the energy transfer rates can be obtained either from spectroscopic data or quantum mechanical calculations. Using the combination of the quantum mechanical calculations and the modified Dexter formalism, energy transfer rates have been predicted for Ho and Tm garnet laser materials, such as YAG. A comprehensive energy transfer scheme for the Ho and Tm system has been identified, including some processes which are not commonly taken into account. A complete set of energy transfer coefficients have been calculated as a function of temperature using this model.

© 1993 Optical Society of America