Influence of the spectral composition of the pump radiation on the lasing and the spectral-luminescence characteristics of a YAlO3:Nd3+ crystal

An investigation was made of the influence of the spectral composition of the exciting light on the lasing and spectral-luminescence characteristics of a YAlO₃:Nd³⁺ crystal. The spectral and relaxation characteristics of the photoinduced absorption, associated with the formation of color centers in the crystal, were determined. The induced absorption could increase the evolution of heat in the active element, but it did not influence the efficiency of filling the upper active level ⁴F_3/2 of the Nd³⁺ ion. The mechanism responsible for the reduction in the lasing efficiency of the YAlO₃:Nd³⁺ crystal in the presence of an ultraviolet component in the pump radiation spectrum was identified.