Sensitization of Er3+ NIR emission using Yb3+ ions in alkaline-earth chloro borate glasses for fiber laser and optical fiber amplifier applications

Abstract

This paper reports on the sensitization of Er3+ ions near infrared emission (1.54 μm) using Yb3+ as a sensitizer in alkaline-earth chloro borate (AECB) glasses synthesized by using melting quenching method. The Er3+ NIR emission has been observed in the range 1450−1650 nm with intense peak at 1540 nm upon 381 nm excitation. The effect of Yb3+ ion concentration as sensitizer on NIR emission of Er3+ doped AECB glasses has been investigated in detailed using the photoluminescence excitation (PLE), PL emission and decay spectral studies. The enhancement in the NIR emission upon varying the Yb3+ doping ion concentration has been aptly elucidated through an energy level diagram. To check the suitability of these glasses for laser and fiber amplifier applications, the absorption, emission and gain cross-sections are also evaluated. Relatively higher values of absorption (σacs = 14.6 × 10−21), emission (σecs = 13.72 × 10−21 cm2) and gain cross-sections are observed for 0.5Er3+-1.5Yb3+ AECB optimized glass. The results obtained contemplates the superior nature of Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped AECB glasses for the laser and fiber amplifier applications.