Spectroscopic and Laser Properties of LiNbO$\text{}_{3}$:Dy$\text{}^{3+}$ Crystals

The spectroscopic properties of trivalent dysprosium (Dy$\text{}^{3+}$) doped LiNbO$\text{}_{3}$ crystals have been investigated at various temperatures. Absorption, emission, excitation and lifetime measurements have been performed and discussed in the framework of Judd-Ofelt approach. The stimulated emission cross sections of the strongest transitions of Dy $\text{}^{3+}$ ion have been estimated. A stimulated emission has been demonstrated in the near infrared.