title: Luminescence and optical absorption properties of Nd(3+) ions in K-Mg-Al phosphate and fluorophosphate glasses.
abstract: Absorption and emission properties and fluorescence lifetimes for the [Formula: see text] transition of Nd(3+) ions embedded in P(2)O(5)-K(2)O-MgO-Al(2)O(3) (PKMA)-based glasses modified with AlF(3) and BaF(2) are reported at room temperature. The observed energy levels of Nd(3+) ions in these glasses have been analysed through a semi-empirical free-ion Hamiltonian model. The spin-orbit interaction and net electrostatic interaction experienced by the Nd(3+) ions follow the trend as PKMA>PKMA+AlF(3)> PKMA+BaF(2) glasses. Judd-Ofelt analysis has been carried out on the absorption spectra of 1.0 mol% Nd(3+)-doped glasses to predict the radiative properties for the fluorescent levels of the Nd(3+) ion. Branching ratios and stimulated emission cross-sections show that the [Formula: see text] transition of the glasses under investigation has the potential for laser applications. The Inokuti-Hirayama model has been applied to investigate the non-radiative relaxation of the Nd(3+) ion emitting state, (4)F(3/2). Based on the decay curve analysis, concentration quenching of the (4)F(3/2) emission has been attributed to a cross-relaxation process between the Nd(3+) ions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517 502, India.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Surendra Babu
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Babu
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Jayasankar
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Speghini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bettinelli