Spectroscopic analysis on the basis Judd–Ofelt theory of Nd 3+ in (Y 0.985 Nd 0.015 ) 2 O 3 : A transparent laser-host ceramic

Abstract Spectroscopic investigation of 1.5 atm% Nd 3+ doped Y 2 O 3 transparent ceramic was performed for different emission wavelengths. Judd–Oflet parameters, computed from the absorption bands of Nd 3+ ion, are Ω 2 = 8.84 × 10 −20 cm 2 , Ω 4 = 9.82 × 10 −20 cm 2 and Ω 6 = 4.44 × 10 −20 cm 2 . These parameters were used to determine absorption line strength, radiative transition probabilities, fluorescence branch ratio and radiative lifetime for different transitions of Nd 3+ . The branching ratios for 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 and 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 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 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 and 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 transitions was determined. The total emission cross section for 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 9/2 and 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 transition was found to be 25.49 × 10 −20 and 37.04 × 10 −20 cm 2 , which is significantly higher than 1.0 atm% Nd 3+ doped Y 2 O 3 ceramic.