First luminescence study of the new oxyborate Na3La9O3(BO3)8:Nd3+

The spectroscopic properties of Nd3+ ions in Na3La9O3(BO3)8 single crystals have been studied, for the first time, by using steady-state and time-resolved laser spectroscopy. Site selective laser emission and excitation measurements have been performed to characterize the different sites for the rare-earth in this crystal. These results show the existence of at least two different sites for Nd3+ ions.