SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF ND3-GLASSES( IONS IN PHOSPHATE)

The effect of Nd3+ and hydroxyl group concentration, as well as the ef fect of glass composition on the relaxation processes of excited Nd3ions, are studied for various phosphate glasses and a fluoride phospha te glass. The relaxation of the F-4(3/2) level of the Nd3+ ions is dom inated by radiative decay, energy transfer to hydroxyl groups and cros s-relaxation. Lifetime measurements of this level as a function of hyd roxyl group and Nd3+ concentrations lead to a resolution of the indivi dual relaxation processes. Based on this analysis, the relationships b etween the glass matrix and the concentration quenching and radiative decay rate, respectively, are studied. Finally, the contributions of t he individual relaxation processes to the lifetime of the F-4(3/2) lev el are compared with each other in different glass types.