OPTICAL-PROPERTIES AND LASER DEMONSTRATION OF ND-DOPED SOL-GEL SILICA GLASSES

Nd-doped sol-gel silica glasses possessing optical quality that was adequate for a simple demonstration of laser action have been prepared, The highest quantum yield and longest emission lifetime obtained were 55% and 425 mus, respectively, for an Nd doping level of 0.36 x 10(20) cm-3. The optical scattering loss was found to be on the order of 4.5%/cm. The sol-gel samples were prepared using a novel combination of techniques, including, for example, the employment of a particulate silica filler material to ensure crack-free drying, and the addition of propylene oxide to reduce the gelation time.