Laser Properties of Nd2O3 Doped Na2O–CaO–SiO2 Transparent Glass-Ceramics for Space Solar Energy

A series of Na2O–CaO–SiO2 glass ceramics containing different content of Nd3+ ions were prepared by the method of high temperature melting and subsequent crystallization. The absorption, excitation and emission spectra of these glass ceramics were investigated; effects of Nd3+ content and crystallization behavior on the laser properties of this material had been studied. The results show that the emission bands originating from the 4F3/2 state of Nd3+ were firstly enhanced with the increase of the Nd2O3 doping content and the crystallinity degree, and then decreased with more doping content and deepened crystallization. The possible reasons of this phenomenon were analyzed. Research will be favored to promote the development of glass ceramics laser materials for space solar energy.