Nd3+fluorescence quantum-efficiency measurements with photoacoustics

We have investigated the use of photoacoustic techniques for obtaining absolute values of fluorescence quantum efficiencies in lightly doped ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ laser materials. We have found that surface absorptions play an important role in gas-microphone measurements, and that thermal profiles are important in piezoelectric measurements. We have obtained fluorescence quantum efficiencies for ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ in yttrium aluminum garnet, and in silicate and borate glasses that are in good agreement with lifetime measurements and Judd-Ofelt calculations.