Optical properties of Nd(TTA)3(TPPO)2 doped polymer and its potential laser application

In this work, the Nd(III) complex doped PMMA with high stimulated emission cross-section, which is one of the most important parameters for laser design, was presented. The molecular structure of the complex, Nd(TTA)(3)(TPPO)(2) (HTTA: 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone, TPPO: triphenylphosphine oxide), was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. From the absorption and luminescence spectra, the Judd-Ofelt parameters (Omega(2), Omega(4) and 26) of the Nd3+ ion in PMMA were obtained and the radiative properties were discussed using Judd-Ofelt theory. The stimulated emission cross-section of the emission band at 1.060 mu m is 2.75 x 10(-20) cm(2), which is higher than that of other Nd(III) complex doped organic systems and even comparable with some laser glasses. On the basis of the experimental data and Judd-Ofelt analysis, the F-4(3/2) -> I-4(11/2) transition of the Nd3+ ion in PMMA can be considered as a possible laser transition. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.