Nd3+-doped TeO2-PbF2-AlF3 glasses for laser applications

A study of the optical properties of Nd3+ ion in TeO2-PbF2-AlF3 glasses has been carried out for different Nd3+ concentrations. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, intensity parameters and radiative properties were determined from the absorption spectra. Focusing on the suitability of this host for laser applications, the spectroscopic quality factor chi was obtained with a value of 1.07, a value of the order of other compositions proposed as laser hosts. For the most intense emission corresponding with the F-4(3/2) -> I-4(11/2) transition (1.06 mu m), the absorption and emission and have been calculated with values of 1.20 x 10(-20) cm(2), 2.08 x 10(-20) cm(2). A positive value for the gain cross-sections has been found for a population inversion factor gamma of 0.4 in the spectral range from 1060 to 1110 nm. All these results suggest the potentially use of this system as a laser host. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.