Quantum efficiency and laser operation of LiNbO3:Nd3+ Zn-diffused channel waveguides

In this work, the characteristics of spontaneous and stimulated emissions of Nd3+ ions in LiNbO3 Zn-diffused channel waveguides are reported. In particular, the luminescence quantum efficiency (Φ) corresponding to 4F3/2 level of Nd3+ ions has been determined by photoacoustic techniques. The value obtained indicates that the technique used to fabricate the waveguides does not modify the spectroscopic properties of active ions. The stability during the laser regime via the analysis of the photoacoustic and luminescence signals also has been explored.