Investigation on broadband near-infrared emission in Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped antimony–silicate glass and optical fiber

Abstract

In the paper antimony–silicate glass and double-clad optical fiber co-doped with ytterbium and holmium ions were investigated. Absorption spectra in infrared (FT-IR) showed characteristic bands: 445, 605, 1037, 1168cm−1 coming from the vibration of chemical bonds of SbO3 and SiO4, respectively. The combination of relatively low phonon energy with a capability for greater separation (avoiding clustering) of optically active centers in the fabricated glasses should allow an effective expansion of spontaneous emission band. The highest intensity of emission at the wavelength of λe=1950nm resulting from energy transfer between Yb3+→Ho3+ ions was observed in the glass co-doped with 1mol%Yb2O3:0.5mol%Ho2O3. As a result of the optical pumping at the wavelength of 976nm in the produced optical fiber, strong and narrow band of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) around 2.1μm, corresponds to the 5I7→5I8 transition, were obtained.