2.7 μm emission properties of Er3+ doped tungsten–tellurite glass sensitized by Yb3+ ions

• Up-conversion, near- and mid-infrared emission enhanced at the same time by Yb3+ ions.
• The optimized ratio for 2.7 μm emission of Er:Yb in tungsten–tellurite glass is 0.5:3.
• Introduced Yb3+ ions promote the 2.7 μm emission by populating Er3+:4I11/2 level.
• Up-conversion emission is increased by ESA from Er3+:4I11/2 and 4I11/2 levels.

With a 980 nm laser diode (LD) pumped, the sensitized effect of Yb3+ ions on 2.7 μm emission properties and energy transfer mechanism in Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped tungsten–tellurite glass were investigated in present paper. Based on absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt parameters and radiative transition probabilities were calculated and analyzed. The emission spectra were tested and the optimized concentration ratio of Yb3+ to Er3+ ions was found to be 3:0.5 with a largest calculated emission cross-section (6.05 × 10−21 cm2) corresponding to Er3+:4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition. When the concentration ratio of Yb3+ to Er3+ ions was 4:0.5, 1.5 μm and 2.7 μm emission decreased while up-conversion increased. The decreased 1.5 μm and 2.7 μm emission were induced by the saturation of Er3+:4I13/2 level. In brief, the advantageous spectroscopic characteristics indicated that Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped tungsten–tellurite glass may be a promising candidate for application of 2.7 μm emission.

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