Preparation and 1.06μm Fluorescence Decay of Nd^3+-Doped Glass Ceramics Containing NaYF_4 Nanocrystallites

Considered to be a candidate for large-size bulk materials used in lasers and other fields, Nd^3+-doped glass ceramics containing NaYF_4 nanocrystallites are prepared. Using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, we show that pure cubic NaYF_4 is well precipitated in the glass matrix. To obtain the optical property of this material at 1.06 μm, the fluorescence decay of ^4\!F_3/2 energy levels is measured and analyzed. It is found that the fluorescence lifetime decreases first and then increases with the increasing dopant concentration due to the existing but finally weakening energy dissipation. As a result, a long radiation lifetime of about 191–444 μs is obtained at 1.06 μm in the prepared material. It is thus revealed that Nd^3+-doped glass ceramic containing NaYF_4 nanocrystallites is a potential candidate as a near-infrared laser material.