Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids

Course guarantor:

Zdeněk Potůček

Lecturer:

Zdeněk Potůček

Tutor:

Zdeněk Potůček

Supervisor:

Department of Solid State Engineering

Synopsis:

Relationship between experimental data and theoretical models that allow us elucidate and predict spectroscopic properties of optical centers in solids such as absorption spectrum, emission spectrum or decay and efficiency of luminescence is illustrated by an example of color centers, rare-earth ions, and transition metal ions in insulators. Particular emphasis is put on influence of lattice symmetry and vibrations on spectroscopic properties of optically active centers. Attention is also paid to physical basis of the experimental techniques commonly used in optical spectroscopy of solids, to non-radiative energy transfer between adjacent centers and formation of their aggregates with distinct spectroscopic properties occurring in the case of sufficiently high concentrations of optical centers, and to optical processes operating in solid state lasers.

Requirements:

Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and solid state physics.

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Energy levels of free atoms and ions. 2. Optical centers in a static crystalline environment - crystal field theory, splitting of energy levels of free ions in dependence on crystal field symmetry. 3. Energy levels of 3d electron configurations in an octahedral and tetrahedral crystal field. 4. Energy levels of F-centers and related defects. 5. Probability of radiative transition between stationary states, excited state lifetime, natural linewidth of spectral transition, selection rules. 6. Optical centers in a vibrating crystalline environment - radiative transitions using the configurational coordinate model, absorption and emission bandshapes. 7. Optical methods of phonon spectrum study - radiative transitions on optical centers in the weak coupling limit, Raman scattering, infrared absorption spectroscopy. 8. Phonon-induced relaxation processes - homogeneous broadening of zero-phonon line, non-radiative transitions involving multiphonon emission, luminescence efficiency. 9. Experimental techniques of luminescence and optical absorption spectroscopy. 10. Color centers in ionic crystals. 11. Optical spectroscopy of rare-earth ions in solids - energy levels of 4f electron configurations. 12. Optical spectroscopy of transition metal ions in solids. 13. Spectroscopic phenomena observed at high concentrations of optically active dopants - energy transfer between ions, exchange-coupled ion pairs, concentration quenching of luminescence. 14. Solid state lasers - basic laser phenomena, optically pumped three-level (ruby) and four-level (Nd3+) lasers.

Syllabus of tutorials:

Study Objective:

Knowledge: ^^Theoretical and experimental knowledge of optical spectroscopy of color centers, rare-earth ions and transition metal ions in dielectric materials, physical basis of the experimental techniques used in optical spectroscopy of solids. ^^Skills: ^^Ability to explain and predict spectroscopic properties of optically active centers formed in solids by various point defects and impurity ions and to apply methods of optical spectroscopy to non-destructive diagnostics of solids in material research.

Study materials:

Key references: ^^[1]. J. G. Solé, L. E. Bausá, D. Jaque: An Introduction to the Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 2005. ^^Recommended references: ^^[2]. B. Henderson, G. F. Imbusch, Optical Spectroscopy of Inorganic Solids, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1989, ^^[3]. N. Tkachenko: Optical Spectroscopy: Methods and Instrumentations, Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, 2006. ^^[4]. L. Smentek, B. G. Wybourne: Optical Spectroscopy of Lanthanides, CRC Press, London, 2007. ^^[5]. G. Blasse, B. C. Grabmaier: Luminescent Materials, Springer - Verlag, Berlin, 1994.

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans: