Spectroscopic properties of GeO2- and Nb2O5-modified tellurite glasses doped with Er3+

Abstract

Er3+-doped tellurite glasses TeO2–GeO2–Nb2O5–Na2O–K2O–ZnO have been investigated for developing 1.5-μm fiber and planar amplifiers. Effects of GeO2 and Nb2O5 on the thermal stability and optical properties of Er3+-doped tellurite glasses have been discussed. It is noted that the incorporation of GeO2 or Nb2O5 increases the thermal stability of tellurite glasses significantly. Er3+-doped GeO2- and Nb2O5-modified tellurite glasses exhibit the stimulated emission cross-section as great as 10.7 × 10−21 cm2, which is significantly higher than that of silicate and phosphate glasses. In addition, the intensity of upconversion luminescence of the Er3+-doped GeO2- and Nb2O5-modified tellurite glasses decreased clearly with increasing GeO2 or Nb2O5 content. As a result, Er3+-doped tellurite glasses might be a potential candidate for developing laser or optical amplifier devices.