Mid-infrared spectroscopic properties and energy transfer of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped bismuth germanate glass

An Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped bismuth germanate glass is synthesized and analyzed. The radiative characteristics and mid-infrared spectroscopic properties are investigated under excitation of a conventional 980 nm laser diode. The prepared glass possesses higher spontaneous transition probability (68.82 s−1) and larger calculated emission cross-section (7.73 × 10−21 cm2) corresponding to the 4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition. The calculated energy migration coefficient (CDD) among Yb3+ ions is larger than the energy transfer coefficient (CDA) from Yb3+ to Er3+, indicating the energy transfer process assisted with energy migration. The excellent spectroscopic properties along with the outstanding thermal stability suggest that this glass may become an attractive host for developing solid state lasers operating in the mid-infrared range.

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► An Er3+/Yb3+ codoped bismuth germanate glass is synthesized.
► The prepared glass possesses higher spontaneous transition probability.
► The emission cross section at 2.7 μm reaches 7.73 × 10−21 cm2.
► The energy transfer mechanism between Er3+ and Yb3+ is discussed.