Laser physics of Nd3+-doped phosphate glasses

Abstract

Nd-doped glasses have emerged as one of a handful of laser materials that are routinely employed in scientific and commercial applications. As a consequence, it is of interest to have access to a comprehensive evaluation of the crucial laser parameters. In this paper we present new information on the mechanisms that impact the pumping efficiency (concentration quenching and Auger upconversion) and the extraction process (4I11/2 terminal level lifetime and hole burning). Most of our results concern phosphate glasses, although fluorides and silicates are addressed as well. The relevant processes are illustrated in Fig. 1.