Optical and Mechanical Properties of Some Neodymium-Doped Laser Glasses

Studies have been made to evaluate thermo-optic and piezo-optic properties of five laser glasses. Measurements were made at the Cd red line, λ = 0.6438 μm, over a wide range of temperatures and pressures using interferometric and polarimetric techniques. The refractive index-temperature data show both positive and negative values and small changes with temperature. The changes in index with applied compressive stress are positive in value. Other optical properties evaluated were homogeneity, transmittance, and refractive index as a function of wavelength. An ultrasonic pulse-echo technique was used to determine the elastic constants, Young's modulus, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and Poisson's ratio. Data for thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, density, hardness and chemical composition are also given. Calculations were made of the thermal change of refractive index at constant volume. These data can be used to calculate corrections for the distortions of the wavefront of light generated in lasers.