Abstract
Electron-spin-echo spectroscopy on the lowest 3A2 state of Mn5+ ions in Ba3(VO4)2 in combination with pulsed laser excitation at 1176.6 nm proves that the laser activity in this material derives from the 1E⇆3A2 transition of the Mn5+ ion. This result is corroborated by Zeeman experiments on the 1E→3A2 emission line, which further reveal the Zeeman splitting of the 1E state.