Influence of Yb2 + ions on the optical properties of Yb3 +/Ho3 + co-doped silica glass synthesized by non-chemical vapor deposition method

• Yb3 +/Ho3 + co-doped silica glasses were synthesized by non-chemical vapor deposition method.
• Influence of Yb2 + on the optical properties of Yb3 +/Ho3 + co-doped silica glasses were investigated.
• Produce of Yb2 + ions is beneficial for enhancing UV and visible light.
• Upon the 532 nm laser excitation, FWHM of emission band was up to 136 nm.

Yb3 +/Ho3 + co-doped silica glasses are synthesized by the non-chemical vapor deposition method. The influence of Yb2 + ions on the optical properties of Yb3 +/Ho3 + co-doped silica glass is investigated for the first time. The experimental results show that the formation of Yb2 + ions can improve the intensity of UV and visible light. However, Yb2 + ions have a determined effect on the energy transfer from Yb3 + ions to Ho3 + ions. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstrated on the influence of Yb2 + ions on the emission properties around 2 μm of Ho3 + through Yb3 + sensitization in Yb3 +/Ho3 + co-doped silica glass when it is excited at 980 nm.