Luminescence and stimulated emission from BaGd2–xNdx(MoO4)4 single crystals

The Stark structure of the ⁴F_3/2, ⁴I_11/2, and ⁴I_9/2 levels of Nd³⁺ was determined for BaGd_2–xNd_x(MoO₄)₄ crystals. An investigation was made of concentration quenching of Nd³⁺ luminescence, which was found to be due to a cross relaxation mechanism. Ofelt parameters were estimated and molar absorption in the possible pumping range of Nd³⁺ was measured. The effective stimulated emission cross section was measured for the highest-intensity component of the ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_11/2 transition (λ = 1061 nm). For x = 0.15, stimulated emission was obtained from a flashlamp-pumped single crystal sample 1.2 mm thick.