Laser spectroscopy of rare earth ions in lead borate glasses and transparent glass-ceramics

Abstract
Rare earth doped lead borate glasses and transparent glass-ceramics have been studied using optical spectroscopy. Based on the absorption, emission and its decay and the Judd-Ofelt calculations, several radiative and laser parameters for Ln 3+ (Ln = Pr, Nd, Eu, Dy, Er, Tm) were evaluated. The large values of luminescence lifetime, quantum efficiency of excited state and room temperature peak stimulated emission cross-section suggest efficient laser transitions of Ln 3+ ions in lead borate glasses. The obtained results indicate that lead borate glasses and glass-ceramics containing Ln 3+ ions are promising host matrices for solid-state laser applications.