Laser action in LaAlO3:Nd3+ single crystal

The spectral and laser properties of Nd3+ doped (1 wt %) LaAlO3 single crystal are presented. The energy levels of the Nd3+ ion in the LaAlO3 matrix were assigned. The Judd-Ofelt parameters Omega(2) = 1.346, Omega(4) = 4.490, and Omega(6) = 5.168 (all x 10(-20) cm(-2)) were evaluated. The absorption sigma(abs) and emission sigma(emi) cross sections at the respective pumping and emission wavelengths were calculated to be sigma(abs)(789.7 nm) = 2.42 x 10(-20) cm(2), sigma(emi)(909 nm) = 5.02 x 10(-20) cm(2), and sigma(emi)(1080 nm) = 7.03 x 10(-20) cm(2). Continuous-wave laser action at 1080 nm in LaAlO3:Nd3+ was obtained. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.