Spectroscopic properties of Nd3+ doped borate glasses

Different glass matrices doped with Nd2O3 have been prepared by conventional melt quenching method with the molar compositions of (90-x) B2O3 + (x-2) PbO + 5 Bi2O3 + 5 Al2O3 + 2 Nd2O3, where x = 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30. Optical absorption and emission spectra were recorded. Racah (E-1, E-2, E-3), spin-orbit (xi 4f) and configuration interaction (alpha,beta,gamma) parameters have been evaluated from the spectral data. The bonding parameter (delta) obtained indicates that the bonds are covalent in nature. By applying least-square fitting, Judd-Ofelt parameters were evaluated from the intensities of the absorption spectra. Radiative transition probabilities (A), the total radiative transition probabilities (A(T)), radiative life-times (tau(R)), branching ratios (beta(R)) and absorption cross-sections (sigma(a)) have been computed for certain lasing levels. The stimulated emission cross-sections (sigma(e)) for the potential lasing transitions F-4(3/2) -> I-4(J) (J = 9/2, 11/2, 13/2) for all the glasses under study are reported. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.