Analysis of optical transitions of Nd3+ in YAG nanocrystallites

A novel approach to the analysis of optical transitions in Nd3+-doped nanocrystallites is put forward, based on the Judd-Ofelt analysis of luminescence transitions associated with the 4F3/2›4I11/2 and 4F3/2›4I9/2 bands. The procedure, requiring neither information on Nd3+ concentration nor transparent samples, greatly simplifies calculation of branching ratios of neodymium 4F3/2 ›4IJ. The technique seems to be very useful in the spectroscopic assessment of Nd3+-doped materials for laser and optoelectronic purposes. The effect of grain size in nanometric ceramics on the branching ratio is considered.