Spectroscopic properties of water free Nd2O3-doped low silica calcium aluminosilicate glasses

In this work, low silica calcium aluminosilicate glasses (LSCA) doped with different concentrations of Nd2O3 were prepared under vacuum conditions and investigated through spectroscopic measurements. UV, visible and near IR optical absorption spectra, IR luminescence spectra, and fluorescent time decay were measured. Judd–Ofelt model was used in conjunction with these data to calculate intensity parameters (Ω2,Ω4 and Ω6), emission cross-section, radiative lifetime, branching ratio and fluorescence quantum efficiency. The up-conversion properties of Nd3+ were investigated following (4G5/2+2G7/2) excitation, and both visible and UV up-conversion have been observed. These results combined with its high fluorescence quantum efficiency and excellent mechanical properties, suggest that this glass may be a candidate to be used as laser host material for near IR with a further possibility of application in the UV and visible spectral regions.