Novel Synthesis of Low Hydroxyl Content Yb3+‐Doped Fluorophosphate Glasses with Long Fluorescence Lifetimes

Abstract

A novel dehydration method for preparing rare‐earth ions‐doped fluorophosphate glasses was presented using raw materials soaking and rapid heating process, and a series of water‐free Yb3+‐doped fluorophosphate glasses (FPC) were obtained. In contrast with other dehydration methods, we found that the Yb3+‐doped FPC has wide transmission range and long fluorescence lifetime. The hydroxyl groups (‐OH) absorption was barely observed in the range 260–3750 nm, and the UV absorption cut‐off wavelength was blue shifted by 100 nm. Under the optimal conditions, the maximum value of emission cross section and the fluorescence lifetime of FPC reached 0.82 pm2 and 2.67 ms, respectively. These excellent optical properties implied a potential application of the FPC glass in multicomponent glass fibers, IR lasers, and optical amplifiers.