Spectroscopic investigations of Nd3+ ions in B2O3-PbO-Al2O3-WO3 glasses

Spectroscopic properties of Nd3+ ions in B2O3-PbO-Al2O3-WO3 glasses have been reported. The spectroscopic parameters have been determined from absorption and emission measurements together with Judd-Ofelt analysis. Addition of lead oxide to the borate matrix significantly increases radiative parameters like radiative transition rate, measured lifetime, quantum efficiency and peak stimulated emission cross-sections. Three emission lines at 904, 1061 and 1335 nm have been registered in lead borate-based glass, which correspond to the transitions originating from the F-4(3/2) level to the I-4(9/2), I-4(11/2) and I-4(13/2) levels of Nd3+ ions, respectively. Quite large room temperature peak stimulated emission cross-section has been obtained for F-4(3/2)-I-4(11/2) transition of Nd3+ ions in lead borate based glass, which is promising for NIR laser application at 1061 nm. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.