CROSS-RELAXATION IN PRASEODYMIUM-DOPED FLUOROZIRCONATE GLASS

The lifetime of the P-3(0) state in praseodymium-doped fluorozirconate in bulk glass was measured for varying dopant concentrations. From th ese measurements and a rate equation analysis of the dynamics, values for a cross-relaxation parameter (alpha(cr1) = (7.1 +/- 0.7) X 10(-23) m(3)/s) and the lifetime in the limit of zero concentration of praseo dymium ((50 +/- 1) mu s) are obtained. These parameters are essential for the understanding and modelling of optical processes which involve the P-3(0) state.