Energy exchange processes in Er 3+-doped fluorozirconate glasses

Abstract

A comprehensive study has been conducted on the effects of erbium dopant concentration on the fluorescence properties of the three lowest energy levels which are involved in infrared emission in Er 3+-doped fluorozirconate glass compositions. Pulsed pump radiation at wavelengths of 800 nm, 980 nm and 1.5 μm was used to measure fluorescence rise and decay waveforms for Er 3+ concentrations between 0.2 and 18 mol%. A rate-equation model has been developed for the relevant levels and the fitting of this model to the experimental results has enabled the contribution of various ion–ion energy exchange processes to be identified and quantified. These processes determine, in part, the population dynamics, especially for the larger dopant concentrations used.