Spectroscopic and energy transfer investigation of Nd∕Yb in Y_2O_3 transparent ceramics

The Nd3+→Yb3+ energy transfer spectral characteristics in (Nd,Yb):Y2O3 ceramics and the relevant spectral and emission decay data on single-doped (especially temperature effects) and codoped samples are presented. The transfer efficiencies depend strongly on Yb3+ content, attaining ∼98% for Nd1  at.%–Yb5  at.% at 300 K. The resonant Nd3+→Yb3+ energy transfer (4F3∕2(Nd),2F7∕2(Yb))→(4I9∕2(Nd),2F5∕2(Yb)), involving Nd3+ in C2 sites and Yb3+ in C2 and C3i sites, is dominated by a dipole–dipole interaction with a microparameter CDA,Nd–Yb≈1×10−38 cm6s−1 at 300 K. The possibility of using this system for Nd-sensitized Yb3+ laser emission from room-to-cryogenic temperatures is discussed.