Laser spectroscopy of Nd3+ and Dy3+ ions in lead borate glasses

The spectroscopic and laser properties of Nd3+ and Dy3+ ions in lead borate glass were studied. Luminescence spectra recorded in the near-infrared and visible ranges correspond to F-4(3/2)-I-4(J/2) (J = 9, 11, 13) transitions of Nd3+ and F-4(9/2)-H-6(J/2) (J=11, 13, 15) transitions of Dy3+, respectively. Luminescence decay curves were analyzed as a function of activator concentration. Luminescence quenching is observed, which is due to Ln-Ln interaction increasing. Several spectroscopic parameters relevant to laser potential of Ln(3+) ions (Ln=Nd, Dy) in lead borate glass were determined. The relatively large values of the quantum efficiency and the room-temperature emission cross-section for the F-4(3/2)-I-4(11/2) transition of Nd3+ at 1061 nm and the F-4(9/2)-H-6(13/2) transition of Dy3+ at 573 nm imply that Ln-doped lead borate glasses can be considered as promising solid-state materials for laser applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.