Rare earth ion diffusion in AgBr crystals

The luminescence of silver bromide crystals doped with rare earth ions (Nd³⁺ and Er³⁺) was investigated in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges. Crystal doping was produced by growing in the melt and by a diffusion method. The diffusion profile of rare earth ions in AgBr crystals was measured by the luminescence method. The luminescence parameters of AgBr crystals doped by the diffusion method were compared with those for crystals doped by adding Nd³⁺ and Er³⁺ to the melt. Two processes in rare earth ion transport were observed and explained by two different diffusion mechanisms. High values of the diffusion coefficient for rare earth ions in AgBr crystals makes it possible to prepare doped crystals of high optical quality. These would be suitable for investigating possible laser action in these materials.