Luminescence enhancement in (Nd3++Ce3+) doped SiO2:Al2O3 sol-gel glasses

An enhancement in NIR luminescence from Nd3+-doped Ce3+ co-doped SiO2+Al2O3 sol-gel glasses has been observed. The lasing transition (Nd3++Ce3+) at 1072nm from the dual rare-earth Nd3 ++Ce3+-doped glasses has shown an emission strength of about five times that of the single rare-earth ion Nd3+-doped glass. From the measurement of lifetimes of the transition at 1072nm, the transfer rate (Wtr), critical distance (R0) and energy transfer efficiency (eta) of the neodymium glasses have been calculated.