Quantum efficiencies and thermo-optical properties of Er3+-, Nd3+-, and Pr3+-single doped lead-indium-phosphate glasses

Abstract

The experimental determination of thermal and optical properties, such as the fluorescence quantum efficiency (η) and temperature coefficient of the optical path length change (ds/dT) have been a challenging task. In this work, mode-mismatched thermal lens and spectroscopic measurements were performed using Er3+-, Nd3+-, and Pr3+-doped lead-indium-phosphate glasses to obtain the thermal diffusivity and conductivity, ds/dT, the thermal loading (nonradiative quantum efficiency), and η. The experimental difficulties associated with obtaining η for systems with several emitting levels, such as Er3+-doped materials were overcome. A discussion of the implications of the small η values obtained for Er3+- and Pr3+-doped glass is presented.