Spectral and luminescence properties of neodymium in chalcogenide glasses

Absorption and luminescence of chalcogenide glasses doped with neodymium were measured. Neodymium concentrations less than or equal to 2 wt% were achieved. Absorption spectra of the glass matrixes, matrixes with dopant (Nd3+) and impurities were measured. Luminescence spectra and the excited state lifetime of Nd3+ were also measured. It was shown that spectral properties of Nd3+ are similar regardless of which neodymium compound was used. However, these spectral properties differ when the base glass is either an oxide or a fluoride. It was found that the quantum yield of Nd3+ in the chalcogenide samples, approaches 100%. The viability of chalcogenide matrixes as laser hosts are discussed.