Spectroscopic properties of Nd-doped glass for 944 nm laser emission

A tunable laser operating near 944 nm is important for the detection of wat er vapor in the atmosphere. In this work, we have carried out a systematic study of Nd doped fiber glass materials which can be used for this purpose. The emission cross sections of these materials at 944 nm have been calcula ted. The wavelength dependence of emission of these materials has been stud ied. Among the silica-based materials Nd doped silica fiber glass has the l argest cross section for 944 nm laser emission. The codopants reduce this c ross section. Some Nd doped nonsilica materials such as Ba0.25Mg0.75Y2Ge2O1 2 and chloride glass have higher stimulated emission cross section than sil ica-based materials. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.