Diode-pumped microchip laser from neodymium doped calcium borosilicate glass

Calcium borosilicate glass doped with 0.6 atomic percent (at.%) of Nd³⁺ ions (NdCBS06) was fabricated using the high-temperature melting method. The composition, in terms of weight percentage, comprised 43.5% CaO, 41.5% SiO₂ and 15% B₂O₃. The density and optical basicity were characterized. The impact of temperature on both absorption and emission spectra was investigated within the range from 78 K to 250 K. Consequently, the energy splitting levels of Nd³⁺ ions in CBS glass were determined based on the absorption and emission spectra measured at 100 K. The luminescence lifetime at 78 K and 300 K were compared to gain insights into the emission dynamics within NdCBS06 glass. A diode laser end-pumped NdCBS06 microchip laser was obtained, featuring a lasing wavelength of 1062.69 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 488.6 pm.