Spectroscopic characteristics of Nd3+-doped strontium fluorovanadate and their relationship to laser performance

Abstract
High slope efficiency and low threshold laser performance have been achieved for both long pulsed and cw operation at 1.065 μm in Nd3+‐doped strontium fluorovanadate crystal, Nd3+:Sr5(VO4)3F, when pumped by narrow band pulsed Cr:LiSAF and cw Ti:sapphire lasers. However, there are inequivalent Nd3+ sites in the crystal. The absorption of Nd3+ ions in secondary sites, sites other than the site which contributes to lasing, may reduce the pumping efficiency and, consequently, the lasing efficiency. Strong concentration quenching of the Nd3+ 4F3/2 state was also observed reducing the quantum efficiency of the laser transition from this state.