The absorption and fluorescence spectra of Er<sup>3+</sup>:LiGdF<sub>4</sub> crystal was measured at room temperature. Base on the Judd-Ofelt theory, the intensity parameters of Er<sup>3+</sup> in LiGdF<sub>4</sub> crystal were determined, Ω<sub>2</sub>=0.905×10<sup>-20</sup>cm<sup>2</sup>, Ω<sub>4</sub>=2.47×10<sup>-20</sup>cm<sup>2</sup> and Ω<sub>6</sub>=4.92×10<sup>-20</sup>cm<sup>2</sup>. The values of the radiative transition probabilities, branching ratios, integrated emission cross-section and radiative lifetimes of excited states of Er<sup>3+</sup> in LiGdF<sub>4</sub> crystal were calculated. The stimulated emission cross-section was also evaluated for the <sup>4</sup><i>I</i><sub>13/2</sub>→<sup>4</sup><i>I1</i><sub>5/2</sub> transitions. In comparisons with other Er<sup>3+</sup> doped laser crystals, Er<sup>3+</sup>:LiGdF<sub>4</sub> crystal has potential as a promising laser crystal.
KeywordsErbium-Doped Yttrium Lithium Gadolinium Fluoride CrystalAbsorption SpectrumJudd-Ofelt Theory
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