Spectroscopic analysis on the basis Judd–Ofelt theory of Nd3+ in (Y0.985Nd0.015)2O3: A transparent laser-host ceramic

Spectroscopic investigation of 1.5 atm% Nd3+ doped Y2O3 transparent ceramic was performed for different emission wavelengths. Judd–Oflet parameters, computed from the absorption bands of Nd3+ ion, are Ω2 = 8.84 × 10−20 cm2, Ω4 = 9.82 × 10−20 cm2 and Ω6 = 4.44 × 10−20 cm2. These parameters were used to determine absorption line strength, radiative transition probabilities, fluorescence branch ratio and radiative lifetime for different transitions of Nd3+. The branching ratios for 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition are 0.548 and 0.389, respectively. The calculated radiative lifetime (140 μs) is in good agreement with the measured lifetime (153 μs). The room temperature emission cross-section of individual Stark bands of 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transitions was determined. The total emission cross section for 4F3/2 → 4I9/2 and 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transition was found to be 25.49 × 10−20 and 37.04 × 10−20 cm2, which is significantly higher than 1.0 atm% Nd3+ doped Y2O3ceramic.