Excitation energy transfer between Pr3+ and Nd3+ rare-earth ions in silicate glass

Nonradiative excitation transfer (NET) was observed between trivalent pr(3+) and Nd3+ ions in silicate glass. Cooperative sensitisation of the luminescence of Nd3+ ions by pr(3+) ions in the F-4(3/2) --> I-4(13/2) transition was observed as a result of NET. The luminescence was excited by the cw radiation of an Nd3+ : YAG laser with a power of similar to 800 W (lambda = 1.064 mu m) operating on the basis of the H-3(4) --> (1)G(4) transition at the wavelength corresponding to the pr(3+) absorption band. The NET mechanism, responsible for the luminescence of the Nd3+ ion at the wavelength corresponding to the band with a maximum at lambda = 1.34 mu m, is discussed.