Spectroscopic parameters of Nd3+ ion in phosphate glasses

The optical absorption spectrum of Nd3+ ions in phosphate glasses of varying matrix environments has been recorded in the ultra violet, visible and near infrared region. From the absorption spectra, various spectroscopic parameters such as Slater-Condon (F-2, F-4 and F-6), spin-orbit (xi(4f)). Racab (E-1, E-2 and E-3), nephelauxetic (beta), bonding (delta) and Judd-Ofelt (J-O) (Omega(2), Omega(4) and Omega(6)) intensity parameters were evaluated. Electric dipole S-ed and magnetic dipole (S-md) line strengths were evaluated with the help of J-O intensity parameters. The observed and calculated oscillator strengths (f) are found to be in reasonable agreement with one another. Using J-O parameters and calculated matrix U-(lambda) radiative transition probabilities (A), total radiative transition probability (A(T)), radiative lifetime (tau(RAD)) branching ratios (beta(R)) and integrated absorption cross-sections for stimulated emission (sigma(a)) between the metastable F-4(3/2) and terminal (4)J(J) levels were calculated. The analysis shows that the F-4(3/2) --> I-4(11/2) has the potential for a laser transition in the four glasses studied. The results of these investigations have been confirmed by recording the fluorescence spectrum corresponding to the F-4(3/2) --> I-4(11/2) transition. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.