Luminescence of erbium ions in tellurite glasses

Abstract

Optical characteristics of new generation of tellurite glasses having high stability against crystallization have been studied. As the initial reagents for the glasses synthesis on the base of tellurium oxide (TeO 2 ) there were used such oxides as WO 3 , MoO 3 , La 2 O 3 , Li 2 CO 3 , ZnO—Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 and active components such as high purity Er 2 O 3 , Yb 2 O 3 , ErF 3 and YbF 3 . Intensities of luminescence at 1.53 µm of the erbium ions were determined after excitation at 975 nm. Experimental data obtained have shown the possibility to use the studied glasses doped by Er 3+ and Yb 3+ as active elements for fiber and integrated optics. In contrast to the case of ZBLAN glass the TeO 2 –WO 3 (Er 3+ ) glass has bright intensity of luminescence at 1.53 µm for erbium ions that should be caused by excitation at 975 nm. Experimental data obtained have shown the possibility to use the studied glasses doped by Er 3+ and Yb 3+ as active elements for fiber and integrated optics. • We examined changes in growth of luminescence in doubly-doped tellurite glasses. • We found that luminescence grows in two orders by using Er 3+ and Yb 3+ at 1.53 μm. • We see possibility to use those glasses as active elements for integrated optics.