Spectroscopic characterization of Nd-doped gadolinium vanadate crystals

The Nd3+-doped gadolinium vanadate Nd:GdVO4 is a new type of crystal with laser properties superior to Nd: YVO4. Experiment results show that the former has larger absorption cross section (3.261 X 10(-19) cm(2)) and larger emission cross section (9.283 x 10(-20) cm(2)). The heat conductivity of Nd: GdVO4 is similar to that of Nd:YAG, therefore it is a promising crystal for LD pumped laser. It is used to gain compact, high effect and all solid state lasers. The absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra were reported and the relationship between spectra and crystal structure was analyzed. Characteristics of energy levels of Nd3+ in the Nd:GdVO4 crystal were discussed. The possibility of achieving laser oscillation at 0.91 mum was discussed.