Highly efficient hexagonal-phase Nd3+ doped KLaF4 nanoparticles colloidal suspension for liquid lasers

Innovative approach in the exploration of high-power liquid laser media, utilizing hexagonal KLaF4: x% Nd3+ (x = 1–30 mol%) nanoparticle colloidal solutions synthesized from one-step chemical route is hereby presented. The phase purity and nano size distributions of the nanoparticles are confirmed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The concentration dependent absorption and steady-state and dynamic infrared emission (at 1058 nm, 4F3/2 → 4I11/2) features of Nd3+ ion of KLaF4: x% Nd3+ liquid media are closely examined. The estimated stimulated emission cross-sections, branching ratios and quantum efficiencies establishes the potentiality of these hexagonal nanoparticle colloidal solutions for high power liquid laser applications. Inokuti-Hirayama (I–H) and diffusion dominated Yokota-Tanimoto (Y-T) models are employed to examine the dynamic emission evolution of KLaF4: x% Nd3+ (x ≥ 5–30 mol%). The proposed study substantiate that the colloidal solution can serve as a new laser media for low-cost and high-energy liquid lasers and amplifiers.