Luminescence and optical absorption properties of Nd3+ ions in K–Mg–Al phosphate and fluorophosphate glasses

• Published in: Journal of physics. Condensed matter Vol. 18; no. 16; pp. 3975 - 3991
• Main Authors: Surendra Babu, S, Babu, P, Jayasankar, C K, Joshi, A S, Speghini, A, Bettinelli, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 26.04.2006; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Amorphous materials, glasses and other disordered solids; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Photoluminescence; Physics; Doping; Electrostatic interaction; Fluorescence; Judd-Ofelt theory; Cross relaxation; Phosphate glass; Luminescence decay; Branching ratio; Energy-level transitions; Neodymium additions; Luminescence quenching; Spin-orbit interactions; Semiempirical method; Absorption spectra
• ISSN: 0953-8984; 1361-648X
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/18/16/007

Absorption and emission properties and fluorescence lifetimes for the transition of Nd3+ ions embedded in P2O5-K2O-MgO-Al2O3 (PKMA)-based glasses modified with AlF3 and BaF2 are reported at room temperature. The observed energy levels of Nd3+ ions in these glasses have been analysed through a semi-empirical free-ion Hamiltonian model. The spin-orbit interaction and net electrostatic interaction experienced by the Nd3+ ions follow the trend as PKMA > PKMA+AlF3 > PKMA+BaF2 glasses. Judd-Ofelt analysis has been carried out on the absorption spectra of 1.0 mol% Nd3+-doped glasses to predict the radiative properties for the fluorescent levels of the Nd3+ ion. Branching ratios and stimulated emission cross-sections show that the transition of the glasses under investigation has the potential for laser applications. The Inokuti-Hirayama model has been applied to investigate the non-radiative relaxation of the Nd3+ ion emitting state, 4F3/2. Based on the decay curve analysis, concentration quenching of the 4F3/2 emission has been attributed to a cross-relaxation process between the Nd3+ ions.