Transparent Nd and (Nd, Yb)-doped Sc2O3 ceramics as potential new laser materials

Abstract

Highly transparent Sc2O3 ceramics with uniform doping up to 0.5at.% Nd and with (Nd, Yb) codoping are reported. The spectroscopic and emission decay properties of Nd:Sc2O3 ceramics are similar to those of single crystals. Highly efficient Nd-to-Yb energy transfer is observed in the codoped ceramics. It is inferred that these materials have potential for construction of Nd or Nd-sensitised-Yb lasers.