Influence of crystal field inhomogeneities on the spontaneous and laser tuning emission of a Nd3+-doped Li2O–BaO–Al2O3–P2O5 glass

The present work focuses on the spectroscopic and laser properties of Nd 3+ in a Li 2 O–BaO–Al 2 O 3 –P 2 O 5 aluminophosphate glass which includes Judd-Ofelt calculation, stimulated emission cross-section of the 4 F 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 emission laser transition, lifetime of the 4 F 3/2 state and quantum efficiency. Site-selective laser spectroscopy and stimulated emission under selective excitation has been performed to determine the crystal field inhomogeneity at the Nd 3+ site together with its broadening effect on the spontaneous and laser emissions. However, a much narrowed laser emission has been achieved by using an intracavity tilting plate which acts as a tunable optical filter to adjust the laser wavelength. • An homogeneous and defects free Nd 3+ doped phosphate glass was successfully prepared. • The Nd 3+ -doped glass shows excellent optical characteristics and laser performance. • Site-selective laser spectroscopy reveals the existence of Nd 3+ -site inhomogeneities. • The suitability of this glass for solid-state laser in the NIR is demonstrated. • Laser emission narrowing and tuning is achieved with an intracavity tilting plate.