Concentration quenching in NdxY1−xP5O14 crystals

Abstract

An extensive investigation of the spectroscopic properties of ${\mathrm{Nd}}_x{\mathrm{Y}}_{1-x}{\mathrm{P}}_5{\mathrm{O}}_{14}$ is reported. Time-resolved site-selection spectroscopy and photoacoustic spectroscopy techniques were used as well as standard optical spectroscopy measurements which were made as a function of Nd concentration, temperature, excitation wavelength, and laser power. Results show that Nd ions occupy a variety of slightly perturbed sites. No significant energy transfer appears to be taking place between ions in these inequivalent sites. Additional experimental data presented here suggest a new quenching model for neodymium pentaphosphate crystals based on spatial but nonspectral energy migration to surface quenching sites.