Fluorescence and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Nd3+ ions in oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing CaF2 nanocrystals

Judd–Ofelt analyses of Nd3+ ions in the oxyfluoride glasses and glass ceramics containing CaF2 nanocrystals are performed to evaluate the intensity parameters Ω2,4,6, spontaneous emission probability, radiative lifetime, quantum efficiency, as well as stimulated emission cross-section. The influences of Nd3+-doping level and heating temperature on these parameters for the 4F3/2→4IJ (J=9/2, 11/2, and 13/2) transitions are systematically discussed. The decrease of intensity parameter Ω2 evidences the incorporation of Nd3+ ions into CaF2 nanocrystals after crystallization. With increasing of Nd3+-doping level, the measured lifetime and quantum efficiency gradually decrease, while the stimulated emission cross-section keeps almost unchanged. For 1.0 mol% Nd3+-doped sample, both the emission intensity and the measured lifetime enhance with increasing of heating temperature up to 650 °C. The results indicate that the investigated glass ceramics are potentially applicable as the 1.06 um laser host.