Influence of color centers on the energy characteristics of YAG:Nd3+ crystals

The absorption spectra and the laser output energies were determined for radiation-colored YAG:Nd³⁺ crystals. Experimental and simplified theoretical relationships were derived between the change in the laser output energy and the absorption by induced color centers. The change in the output energy calculated from the spectroscopic measurements was considerably less than that found experimentally. Pumping of radiation-colored YAG:Nd³⁺ crystals generated short-lived color centers which, in addition to stable centers, reduced considerably the output energy.