Nd3+-doped LiTaO3 films and powders through the sol-gel

Nd3+-doped LiTaO3 is successfully derived by the sol-gel method. The host solution is prepared by mixing LiOC2H5 and Ta(OC2H5)(5) and different concentrations of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mol% Of Nd3+ are introduced. The films are deposited on SiO2/Si substrate by spin coating and the powders are prepared by sintering the precipitation of the solution. XRD and micro-Raman studies show that the material displays good crystallization of pure trigonal phase of LiTaO3. AFM and SEM studies reveal that the crystalline size is about several tens of nanometers for the films and a few hundred nanometers for the powders after an annealing at 600 degrees C. Using the 488nm line of an Ar+ laser as an excitation source, photoluminescence of the powders is observed at 1.06 mu m, corresponding to the F-4(3/2) --> I-4(11/2) transition of Nd3+. The full width at half maximum is about 40nm.