Fluorescence and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Nd 3+ ions in oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing CaF 2 nanocrystals

Abstract

Judd–Ofelt analyses of Nd 3+ ions in the oxyfluoride glasses and glass ceramics containing CaF 2 nanocrystals are performed to evaluate the intensity parameters Ω 2,4,6, spontaneous emission probability, radiative lifetime, quantum efficiency, as well as stimulated emission cross-section. The influences of Nd 3+-doping level and heating temperature on these parameters for the 4F 3 / 2→ 4I J ( J=9/2, 11/2, and 13/2) transitions are systematically discussed. The decrease of intensity parameter Ω 2 evidences the incorporation of Nd 3+ ions into CaF 2 nanocrystals after crystallization. With increasing of Nd 3+-doping level, the measured lifetime and quantum efficiency gradually decrease, while the stimulated emission cross-section keeps almost unchanged. For 1.0 mol% Nd 3+-doped sample, both the emission intensity and the measured lifetime enhance with increasing of heating temperature up to 650 °C. The results indicate that the investigated glass ceramics are potentially applicable as the 1.06 um laser host.