PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF GE-GA-S GLASSES FOR LASER HOSTS

The preparation and purification of Ge-Ga-S glasses were studied. A pu rified glass doped with 1000 ppm Pr3+ exhibits a quantum efficiency of 50% in the (1)G(4)-->H-3(5) transition at 1.3 mu m based on fluoresce nce lifetime measurement and Judd-Ofelt analysis. The effects of Ga an d S contents on glass transition and crystallization temperatures, den sity, refractive index and spontaneous emission probabilities from the F-4(3/2) level of Nd3+ were examined. Compositional dependences of pr operties are discussed in terms of bond types.