Abstract

An alternate approach to describe self-quenching of the Nd⁴F_3/2 manifold, using computed energy transfer parameters, is developed and found to agree with experimental results. Self-quenching is important because it shortens the apparent lifetime of the upper laser level, which detracts from the efficiency. Computed results agree well with measured data for both Nd:YAG and Nd:YLF, however, the range of concentrations are limited. On the other hand, using experimental data on Nd:LaSc₃(BO₃)₄ provides a good test for this approach because upper laser level lifetime data are available over a wide range of Nd concentrations.¹

© 1996 Optical Society of America