Refractive Index of Nd:CaF_2 and Some Nd Doped Glasses as a Function of Wavelength, % Neodymium, and Temperature

Though the index of refraction of synthetic calcium fluoride has been determined, little data exist on neodymium doped calcium fluoride. Measurements of the index of refraction of synthetic calcium fluoride doped with 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 5, 1, and 10 mol % neodymium at 16 wavelengths from 4358.35 A to and including 6678.15 A at 25 degrees C have been made. Most values are believed accurate to +/-3 x 10(-5). The index of refraction at three wavelengths has been measured at 15 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 35 degrees C, and 55 degrees C, and at one wavelength at about these same temperatures. Data are also included on a series of five neodymium doped glasses.