Polarized spectral properties of Nd3+ ions in CaYAlO4 crystal

Abstract

Nd:CaYAlO4 single crystal has been grown by the Czochralski technique. The cell parameters were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD). The polarized absorption spectra, the polarized fluorescence spectra, and the fluorescence decay curve of the crystal were measured at room temperature. The spectroscopic parameters were determined by Judd–Ofelt theory and Fuchtbauer–Ladenburg formula. The effective intensity parameters Ω 2, Ω 4, and Ω 6 were obtained to be 2.19, 8.16, and 8.57×10−20 cm2, respectively. The calculated radiative probabilities, branching ratios, and radiative lifetime were also evaluated for the 4F3/2 excited state using the calculated intensity parameters. The results indicate Nd:CaYAlO4 has potential as a laser gain medium for ultrashort laser system.