Amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and laser effects in β-LiYF4: Ce, Tb micro- and nanocrystals

•Novel β-LiYF4: Ce, Tb crystals have been prepared.•Thresholds of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and laser effects have been measured.•Laser emission was characterized. β-NaYF4 crystals family are interesting materials and have potential for various applications. Here we present our research regarding amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and laser effects of three materials: LiY0.7 F4: (Ce0.2 Tb0.1), NaY0.5 F4: (Ce0.4 Tb0.1) and LiLuY0.7 F4: (Ce0.2 Tb0.1), prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method. The luminescent active ion is Tb3+. β- LiY0.7 F4: (Ce0.2 Tb0.1) crystals with a hexagonal plate shape have ASE threshold at 400 mW/cm2, excitation with λex = 365 nm and a laser threshold at 490 J for a doped PMMA rod with a length of 25 mm. Laser line was observed at 542 nm.