Laser spectroscopy of Nd3+ and Dy3+ ions in lead borate glasses

The spectroscopic and laser properties of Nd3+ and Dy3+ ions in lead borate glass were studied. Luminescence spectra recorded in the near-infrared and visible ranges correspond to 4F3/2–4IJ/2 (J=9, 11, 13) transitions of Nd3+ and 4F9/2–6HJ/2 (J=11, 13, 15) transitions of Dy3+, respectively. Luminescence decay curves were analyzed as a function of activator concentration. Luminescence quenching is observed, which is due to Ln–Ln interaction increasing. Several spectroscopic parameters relevant to laser potential of Ln3+ ions (Ln=Nd, Dy) in lead borate glass were determined. The relatively large values of the quantum efficiency and the room-temperature emission cross-section for the 4F3/2–4I11/2 transition of Nd3+ at 1061 nm and the 4F9/2–6H13/2 transition of Dy3+ at 573 nm imply that Ln-doped lead borate glasses can be considered as promising solid-state materials for laser applications.