Direct investigation of inhomogeneous spectrum broadening in Nd^3+:Gd_xY_1−xVO_4 series crystals

A study of inhomogeneous spectrum broadening in Nd3+-doped GdxY1−xVO4 (x=0, 0.37, 0.47, 0.63, and 0.83) series crystals is reported for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Due to the random placement of the Gd and Y ions in the lattice, the spectra are inhomogeneously broadened, a result that is favorable for Q-switching and mode locking. The fluorescence lifetime and stimulated emission cross-section of the F3/24 to F11/24 and F13/24 state transitions are calculated and measured as a function of increasing x and temperature. The variation of the spectrum anisotropy is also discussed as a function of different temperature and composition values. All the results indicate that the random placement of different cations at the same lattice site is an efficient technology for the modification of emission properties that fulfill different requirements of laser applications.