Optical transition properties of the Nd3+ ions in Ca3(BO3)2 crystal

Ca-3(BO3)(2) single crystals have been grown by the Czochraski technique. The absorption and emission spectra have been measured at room temperature. From the Judd-Ofelt theory analysis, the intensity parameters were determined to be Omega(2) = 4.63 x 10(-20) cm(2), Omega(4) = 2.40 x 10(-20) cm, and Omega(6) = 10.4 x 10(-20) cm(2). The calculated radiative probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and the branching ratios have been evaluated for the F-4(3/2) excited state using the calculated intensity parameters. The stimulated emission cross-section was also measured at 1060 nm. The results indicate that this crystal can be considered as a promising material for solid-state laser application.