Nd3+-doped TeO2–PbF2–AlF3 glasses for laser applications

•The Nd3+-doped TeO2–PbF2–AlF3 glass is candidate for 1.06 μm laser applications.•The Ωλ parameters are obtained applying the Judd–Ofelt theory.•The χ, the η, σabs(λ) and σem(λ) parameters were obtained for the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition.

A study of the optical properties of Nd3+ ion in TeO2–PbF2–AlF3 glasses has been carried out for different Nd3+ concentrations. Based on the Judd–Ofelt theory, intensity parameters and radiative properties were determined from the absorption spectra. Focusing on the suitability of this host for laser applications, the spectroscopic quality factor χ was obtained with a value of 1.07, a value of the order of other compositions proposed as laser hosts. For the most intense emission corresponding with the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition (1.06 μm), the absorption and emission and have been calculated with values of 1.20 × 10−20 cm2, 2.08 × 10−20 cm2. A positive value for the gain cross-sections has been found for a population inversion factor γ of 0.4 in the spectral range from 1060 to 1110 nm. All these results suggest the potentially use of this system as a laser host.

Graphical abstractAbsorption and spontaneous emission cross-sections of the 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition for the TeNd25 glass.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (91 K)Download as PowerPoint slide