~3 μm fluorescence behavior of Ho3+ doped transparent tellurite glass ceramics

Abstract

The ~3 μm fluorescence was investigated in the Ho2O3-doped transparent tellurite glass-ceramic for the first time. The branching-ratios and emission cross-sections were calculated. The glass-ceramics had high branching-ratio (20.5%) and large emission cross-section (1.76 × 10−20 cm2) corresponding to Ho3+:5I6→5I7 transition. After crystallization, the ~3 μm fluorescence intensity increased obviously excited by 640 nm laser diode. The broadband fluorescence about 3 μm was observed under excitation by a 1950-nm thulium-doped fiber lasers. The increased ~3 μm fluorescence intensity and narrowed spectrum demonstrated the Ho3+ ions embedded into the crystalline phase. These results indicate that the tellurite glass-ceramics may be a promising material for mid-infrared lasers.