Ion beam luminescence of Nd:YAG

Luminescence recorded during ion beam implantation of Nd:YAG has proved valuable in sensing structural and local crystal field changes caused by waveguide fabrication in this laser material. The relative line intensities from Nd are sensitive to excitation rate and so the spectra differ strongly between H+ and H2+ excitation, with further changes in the examples using He+ and N+ ions. The overall intensities are reduced at lower temperatures, as well as showing variations in relative line patterns. Some suggestions of component lines and weak broad bands are offered in terms of trace rare earth and other impurities.