Synthesis, growth, and characterization of Nd-doped SrGdGa3O7 crystal

A disordered Nd:SrGdGa3O7 (Nd:SGGM) laser crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The space group and effective segregation coefficient of Nd3+ were determined to be P (4) over bar2(1)m and 1.36, respectively. Thermal properties, including the average linear thermal expansion coefficient, thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and thermal conductivity were measured. It was found that the thermal conductivity increases with increasing temperature, indicating glasslike behavior. Sellmeier's equations were fitted by measuring the refractive indices in the range of 253-2325 nm. The polarization absorption and emission spectra were measured at room temperature, and Judd-Ofelt analysis was carried out to calculate the fluorescence branching ratios from the upper F-4(3/2) state and the fluorescence lifetime. The stimulated emission cross section for the F-4(3/2)-> I-4(11/2) transition was calculated to be 2.00 x 10(-20) cm(2). Finally, a diode-pumped laser experiment at 1.06 mu m is described. Thermal, optical, and laser properties have shown that Nd: SGGM crystals are promising for use as disordered laser materials. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3483955]