Efficient Energy Transfer Between Ce3+ and Nd3+ in Cerium Codoped Nd: Yag Laser Quality Transparent Ceramics

Transparent laser quality cerium codoped Nd: YAG ceramics were prepared using nanotechnology assisted ceramic preparation technique. The sample shows a very good transparency with a strong absorption peaks corresponding to Ce and Nd ions. Lasing oscillation was observed at IR laser wavelength of Nd emission with a maximum slope efficiency of 17.6%. Cross-energy transfer mechanism between these two ions was analyzed using 407 nm laser diode. Quantum yield of both the ions was calculated with an integrating sphere and UV-laser diode and the results were compared with Nd: YAG ceramics. The results show the efficient energy transfer between Ce3+ and Nd3+ and the transfer mechanism has been explained with the energy level diagrams. (C) 2010 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.