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%.