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Journal of Optics A Pure and Applied Optics

A theoretical study of intrinsic optical bistability dynamics in Tm3+/Yb3+codoped systems with an upconversion avalanche mechanism

Li Li, Xinlu Zhang, Jinhui Cui, Lixue Chen

Published Aug 10, 2009• 12 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This paper presents theoretical investigations on the dynamics of intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped systems with an upconversion avalanche mechanism. Numerical simulations based on the rate equation model demonstrate distinct IOB hysteresis and critical slowing dynamics around the avalanche thresholds. Moreover, the unusual IOB characteristics are well interpreted by developing a simplified analytic model which gives the formulations of two critical thresholds and the necessary condition for IOB to occur. The simplified model shows that such IOB phenomena may occur only if the total quantum yields of the dipole–dipole energy transfer processes are much higher than that of the inherent decay losses involved in an upconversion avalanche. The analytic model developed in the paper may be useful for the prediction of new rare-earth-doped materials giving rise to IOB.

DOI
10.1088/1464-4258/11/10/105203

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Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Nov 2, 2007•0 citations
This paper presents theoretical investigations on the dynamics of intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped systems with an upconversion avalanche mechanism. Numerical simulations based on the rate equation model demonstrate distinct IOB hysteresis and critical slowing dynamics around the avalanche thresholds. Moreover, the unusual IOB characteristics are well interpreted by developing a simplified analytic model which gives the formulations of two critical thresholds and the necessary condition for IOB to occur. The simplified model shows that such IOB phenomena may occur only if the total quantum yields of the dipole–dipole energy transfer processes are much higher than that of the inherent decay losses involved in an upconversion avalanche. The analytic model developed in the paper may be useful for the prediction of new rare-earth-doped materials giving rise to IOB.
Intrinsic optical bistability （IOB） in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped laser crystal under 650 nm laser excitation is theoretically studied. Based on the theory of nonlinear coupled rate equations, we numerically analyze IOB evolutions of the populations at Tm3+/Yb3+ energy levels, and the influence of system parameters on IOB and the dynamic operation of bistable hysteresis loop. The simulation result shows the fluorescence IOB in visible-infrared spectra of Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped laser crystal under photon avalanche pumping scheme. It is found that IOB phenomena can be largely enhanced by optimizing the Tm3+/Yb3+ concentration ratio, choosing low phonon-energy crystal host and using crystal cooling technology, and also by tuning the pump laser to match the resonant frequency of Tm3+ excited-state absorption transition. Through tuning the pump laser wavelength and adjusting the rate of change in pump intensity, the controllable IOB switching can be achieved.
We predict and theoretically study intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) mediated by nonlinear energy transfer processes in rare-earth-doped laser-related crystals. In particular, we investigate Tm-Ho and Tm-Yb systems, in which avalanche pumping is overimposed by energy transfer up-conversion. We predict that IOB can be experimentally observed in (Tm,Yb):BaY2F8(\mathrm{T}\mathrm{m},\mathrm{Y}\mathrm{b}):{\mathrm{BaY}}_{2}{\mathrm{F}}_{8}(Tm,Yb):BaY2​F8​ crystals in a wide range of experimentally achievable parameters.
Intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) in Tm: YSGG (yttrium-scandium-gallium garnet) laser crystal pumped at 1um avalanche wavelength is predicted theoretically and studied numerically. The nonlinear rate equations of Tm: YSGG are given based on the nonlinear energy transfer processes. From the rate equations, the analytical formula of avalanche threshold condition is deduced in the steady-state approximation. Both the intrinsic bistability effect of population concentrations at Tm3+ levels versus pumping power and the influence of system parameters on IOB avalanche threshold are studied numerically. The results show that the avalanche threshold power of IOB can be changed by adjusting experimentally adjustable parameters such as the Tm3+ −dope concentration.
Intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) in Tm-doped laser crystal pumped at 648nm avalanche wavelength is predicted theoretically and studied numerically. Based on the theory of nonlinear rate equations, the analytical formula of avalanche threshold condition is deduced in the steady-state approximation. Transient response of photon avalanche, IOB and influence of system parameters on IOB are studied numerically. The numerical simulation shows that IOB of 2μm fluorescence emission in Tm-doped laser crystal can be experimentally observed. Controllable bistable hysteresis loop can be achieved by adjusting experimentally adjustable parameters.
Intrinsic optical bistability and dynamic hysteresis phenomenon, induced by nonlinear excitation and energy level coupling, are predicted theoretically in single Tm-doped laser crystal pumped at 648nm avalanche wavelength. Taking into account the dominant energy transfer processes including excited state absorption, cross relaxation, energy transfer up-conversion and decay of the metastable level Tm3+ 3F4, the analytical formula of avalanche threshold condition are deduced in the steady-state approximation. Based on the theory of microscopic coupled rate equations, intrinsic optical bistability and influence of system parameters on hysteresis loop are studied numerically in detail by using a four-order Runge-Kutta technique. The numerical results predict that intrinsic optical bistability of near 2 micrometer fluorescence emission relevant to Tm 3F4→3H6 transition is achievable experimentally in single Tm-doped laser crystal. For realization of low threshold optical bistability and notable bistable hysteresis loop, it is beneficial to properly increase Tm3+-doped concentration and suppress energy transfer up-conversion. Furthermore, the interesting results obtained numerically show that laser-induced thermal effect is not the indispensable factor for occurrences of intrinsic optical bistability in rear-earth-doped crystal. Cooperation of nonliear excitation and energy level coupling can essentially lead to intrinsic optical bistability in rear-earth-doped system.