Fluorescence quantum efficiency and optical heating efficiency in laser crystals and glasses by laser calorimetry

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Abstract
A photocaloric technique is described for determining the fluorescence quantum efficiencies and optical heating efficiencies of optically active ions in laser materials. Optical absorption within the sample results in a temperature increase until the heat produced by the absorbed power is balanced by heat leakage to the surroundings. The fluorescence quantum efficiency and optical heating efficiency are determined from a measure of the absorbed power, the steady-state temperature, and the time constant associated with sample cooling following laser excitation. An alternative analysis utilizing only the absorbed power and the steady-state temperature as a function of excitation frequency is also shown to yield quantum efficiencies consistent with the first method. Theory and experiment are demonstrated by measuring the fluorescence quantum efficiency and optical heating efficiency for trivalent chromium in gadolinium scandium gallium garnet. Measurements are also reported for several neodymium-doped phosphate laser glasses.