Spectroscopic investigation of Nd~(3+)-doped ZBLAN glass for solar-pumped lasers

摘要

We evaluated the optical properties required for the design of a solar-pumped laser for Nd~(3+)-doped ZrF_4-BaF _2-LaF_3-AlF_3-NaF (ZBLAN) glass. The quantum efficiency (QE) of near-infrared emission from the ~4F3/2 state of Nd~(3+) using sunlight as an excitation source was 70%. The product of the stimulated emission cross section and the radiative lifetime (σseτr) of the ~4F3=2 → 4I11=2 was 1:5 × 10-23 cm~2 s. The integrated absorption strength in the 450-900nm region was the largest among Nd~(3+)-doped fluoride glasses. The high QE, large σseτr product, and large integrated absorption strength indicate that Nd~(3+)-doped ZBLAN is one of the most promising materials for solar-pumped lasers.