Optical properties of laser spinel

The present work summarizes the results of absorption and luminescence spectra investigation of natural and synthetic magnesium aluminum spinels (MgO*nAl2O3) containing chromium and manganese ions. The spectra have been analyzed with an aim to determine the effect of stoichiometry 'n' on distribution of emitting ions. The Mn2+ is observed in both tetrahedral and octahedral coordinations providing green or orange emission. Absorption bands have been explained in terms of the Mn2+ configuration model. Laser excitation of chromium-comprising magnesium aluminum spinel crystals has been carried out at 7 K with the purpose to detect the nearest neighbors of Cr3+ ions. Luminescence emission spectra have been obtained for natural sample and three synthetic samples (MgO*nAl2O3, n equals 1, 2, 2.8). Decay time has been measured at different wavelengths and compared for crystals of different stoichiometry. In case n equals 2 or 2.8, computer simulation has been used to decompose smeared luminescence spectra in the 680 - 700 nm region. Gaussian curves corresponding to R- and N-lines of natural spinel spectrum have been applied as components in the calculations of nonstoichiometric spinel spectra. This suggests that there aren't normally arranged Cr-occupied octahedral positions in nonstoichiometric spinel (n equals 2.8, e.g.).