Abstract
Emission, absorption, and excitation spectra of 4f -> 5d transitions of Ce3+ ions in yttrium aluminum borate (YAB) crystal are reviewed and successfully reproduced by theoretical investigations. The Ce3+ energy level diagram has been compiled after a careful analysis of the optical spectra. Theoretical calculations based on free ion and crystal field Hamiltonians are used to interpret the observed transitions. The 4f and 5d crystal field parameter permits determination of the engine states of Ce3+ ion in YAB and then calculating the absorption line intensities as well as the effective section and the decay times.