Ce3+→Nd3+ energy transfer in silicate glass

Abstract

Radiative and nonradiative energy transfer from optically excited Ce³⁺ to Nd³⁺ has been studied in silicate laser glass. The quantum efficiency for nonradiative Ce³⁺→Nd³⁺ transfer was determined from the Ce³⁺ fluorescence decay rates. The Ce³⁺ fluorescence decayed exponentially with a rate proportional to the Nd³⁺ concentration. Physical processes to account for the observed energy transfer are discussed. In addition, the utility of Ce³⁺→Nd³⁺ energy transfer is considered for laser applications. In this context, the energy deposited in a Ce³⁺‐Nd³⁺–codoped glass was calculated using a computer program containing a model of the xenon flashlamp spectrum as a function of current density. The results indicate that improvements in the optical pumping efficiency in typical Nd lasers are limited to <40%.