Luminescence enhancement in (Nd3++Ce3+) doped SiO2 : Al2O3 sol-gel glasses

An enhancement in NIR luminescence from Nd3+-doped Ce3+ co-doped SiO2 + Al2 O3 sol-gel glasses has been observed. The lasing transition (F-4(3/2) --> I -4(11/2)) at 1072 nm from the dual rare-earth Nd3+ + Ce3+-doped glasses has shown an emission strength of about five times that of the single rare-ear th ion Nd3+-doped glass. From the measurement of lifetimes of the transitio n at 1072 nm: the transfer rate (W-tr), critical distance (R-0) and energy transfer efficiency (eta) of the neodymium glasses have been calculated. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.