High Quantum Efficiency of Nd3+ Ions in a Phosphate Glass System using the Judd–Ofelt Theory

The optical properties of trivalent neodymium embedded in a P 2 O 5 –Al 2 O 3 –Na 2 O–K 2 O phosphate glass system, synthesized by the fusion method, are studied. Absorption, luminescence, lifetime, and Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed and the Judd–Ofelt theory was applied to determine optical parameters such as the quantum efficiency and the stimulated emission cross section of the Nd 3+ -doped glass system. This structure has high quantum efficiency at low Nd 3+ concentrations, comparable to the efficiency of a commercial YAG:Nd 3+ crystal. We discuss the mechanisms responsible for the high quantum efficiency observed in the proposed phosphate glass system.