Optical characterization of Nd³⁺: AgBr

The luminescence of silver bromide crystals, doped with neodymium, was investigated over the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges. The emission, excitation, and absorption spectra were measured over a broad temperature range. The absolute luminescence quantum yield was estimated by comparing the luminescence with that of a neodymium-doped phosphate glass, for which the manufacturer gives a value of 0.4. The Judd-Ofelt analysis was applied to both materials, and transition rates, branching ratios, and quantum efficiencies were calculated for all the observed bands. Good agreement was obtained between theory and experiment.