Optical Energy Transfer from Cr3+ to Nd3+ and Fluorescence Properties in Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Ceramics

Abstract

Space Solar Power Systems (SSPS) collect solar energy and to ground by converting it into the laser. This system needs a broad absorption spectrum that can effi ciently absorb solar energy. Cr/Nd:YAG is doped with chromium (Cr 3+) as the sensitizer ion and neodymium (Nd 3+) as the activator ion. The sensitizer ion provides effi cient broad-band pump absorption and transfers the excitation energy to the activator ion. This process effects changes the fl uorescence properties of the laser material. This research describes the fl uorescent characteristics of Cr/Nd:YAG ceramic including this energy transfer process.

Lasing characteristics of refractive-index-matched composite Y3Al5O12rods employing transparent ceramics for solar-pumped lasers

“…2) In particular, it has been found that the transition metal Cr 3+ is a promising sensitizer, which has broadband absorption characteristics and transfers the absorbed energy to Nd 3+ . [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] To overcome the other issue of the low energy density of sunlight, focusing optics with a high magnification are needed to realize a sufficiently large pumping energy density.…”