Growth and spectroscopic characterizations of Nd3+-doped BaGd2(MoO4)4crystal

Nd3+ : BaGd2(MoO4)4 crystal with dimensions of Ø20 mm × 28 mm has been grown by the Czochralski method. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of Nd3+ : BaGd2(MoO4)4 crystal were investigated. The absorption band at 807 nm has a FWHM of 5 nm, which is suitable for AlGaAs diode-laser pumping. The absorption cross section σab is 3.42 × 10−20 cm2at 807 nm. The emission cross section σem is 2.21 × 10−19 cm2 at 1065 nm. Based on the Judd–Ofelt theory, the spectral parameters have been calculated. The oscillator intensity parameters Ωλ are Ω2 = 14.96 × 10−20 cm2, Ω4 = 5.04 × 10−20 cm2 and Ω6 = 3.58 × 10−20 cm2 The radiative lifetime is 156 µs and quantum efficiency ηc = 83.3%. Nd3+ : BaGd2(MoO4)4 crystals have a low fluorescence quenching effect and can be doped with more Nd3+ ions. The above results suggest that the Nd3+ : BaGd2(MoO4)4 crystal may be regarded as a potential solid-state laser material for diode laser pumping.