Crystal growth, spectral properties and crystal field analysis of Cr3+:MgWO4

Cr3+ ion doped MgWO4 crystal with dimensions of 3 × 3 × 20 mm3 has been grown for the first time. The Cr3+:MgWO4 crystal showed strong absorption in the visible range and strong emission in the near-infrared range. The absorption and emission cross section of this crystal are 8.86 × 10−20 cm2 and 41 × 10−20 cm2 at 740 nm and 993.6 nm, respectively. Energy transfer procedure between Cr3+ ion and the defect center in the host crystal has been demonstrated. The crystal field, electron-vibration coupling and energy levels of the Cr3+:MgWO4 crystal are discussed.