Comparative studies of the spectroscopic properties of Nd: YAG nanocrystals, transparent ceramic and single crystal

Detailed comparative spectroscopic studies of Nd doped YAG nanocrystals, transparent ceramic and single crystal have been performed. Although most of the radiative spectral properties of Nd are almost in good agreement between the three hosts, the non-radiative losses are significantly high in nanocrystals, which are attributed due to the presence of large amount of hydroxyl groups on the nanocrystals surface which deteriorates the quality of the material for laser applications. In addition, wavelength dependent scattering loss for the Nd doped YAG nanocrystals is found significantly high compared to those of Nd doped single crystal and ceramic. ©2012 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: (300.1030) Absorption; (300.2140) Emission; (290.5850) Scattering, particles; (260.2510) Fluorescence; (260.6580) Stark effect; (160.4670) Optical materials; (160.4760) Optical properties. References and links 1. A. Ikesue, “Polycrystalline Nd:YAG ceramics lasers,” Opt. 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