Abstract

In order to scale up the optical energy density of laser media, the gain control technology in each small domain of laser media is required. Considering recent spreading of laser resonator control that uses volume Bragg diffraction grating (VBG) [1], it is convenient for VBG to have an ability of laser action. VBG is made of photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass that is one of photosensitive glasses, and co-doping of PTR glass with the second rare earth component does not eliminate its photosensitivity for making Bragg gratings [2]. If we choose this second rare-earth appropriately, doped luminous ions provide additional function to VBG. In this work we evaluated the spectroscopic properties of Nd³⁺-doped photo-thermo-refractive glass (Nd:PTR). Absorption coefficient, Stimulated emission cross section, fluorescence lifetime, and radiative quantum efficiency of Nd:PTR are discussed, which aims at the investigation of the laser performance.

© 2009 IEEE