Optical spectroscopy of Tm3+ ions in GeO2–PbO–Nb2O5 glasses

Abstract

Abstract In this work, we report the optical properties of Tm 3+ doped lead–niobium–germanate glasses (GeO 2 –PbO–Nb 2 O 5 ) for different Tm 3+ concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 3 wt%. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters have been determined to calculate the radiative transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of excited states. Luminescence spectra and lifetimes were measured under 798 nm excitation. The infrared emissions at 1474 nm and 1820 nm have been characterized at room temperature for all concentrations. In this glass the infrared emission corresponding to the 3 H 4 → 3 F 4 transition is broader by nearly 40 nm if compared to fluoride glasses used for S-band amplifiers. The stimulated emission cross-sections have been determined from the line shape of the emission spectra and the lifetimes of levels 3 H 4 and 3 F 4 respectively.