Effects of Nd3+ doping content on microstructure and spectral properties of Nd:SrF2 transparent ceramic

0.5–5 % (atom percent) Nd 3+ -doped SrF 2 transparent ceramics were fabricated by hot-pressed sintering and the effects of Nd 3+ doping content on microstructure and spectral properties were studied. With Nd 3+ content increased from 0.5 % to 5 %, in-line transmittance of Nd:SrF 2 ceramic at 1060 nm increased from 15.8 % to 85.3 %. FE-SEM micrographs showed the grain growth was inhibited and the microstructure became more compact and homogenous. Emission spectra revealed that concentration quenching was occurred at Nd 3+ content of 1–2 %. Emission lifetime of 4 F 3/2 energy level monotonously decreased from 1805.4 μs to 19.6 μs. Evolution profiles of emission intensity and lifetime of Nd:SrF 2 transparent ceramic with Nd 3+ doping content were proposed. The appropriate Nd 3+ content for spectral properties of Nd:SrF 2 transparent ceramic was found around 1 %. The results demonstrated Nd:SrF 2 transparent ceramic has large emission lifetime and mild concentration quenching effect, indicating that Nd 3+ -doped SrF 2 transparent ceramics could be more promising gain media for all-solid-state lasers than other Nd 3+ -doped alkaline-earth fluorides.