Enhanced 2.0 μm emission and energy transfer in Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply doped tellurite glass

Ce3+ induced enhancement of Ho3+ ~ 2.0 μm emission in Yb3+/Ho3+ codoped sodium–zinc–tellurite (TNZ) glass was achieved under 980 nm LD laser excitation. The spectroscopic studies show that the upconversion is remarkably reduced by the presence of Ce3+. The ~ 2.0 μm fluorescence intensity is nearly triply enhanced, and the energy transfer efficiency from Yb3+ to Ho3+ is improved from 16.1% to 42.6% by increasing the Ce3+ concentration from 0 to 0.8 mol%. The mechanism responsible for the upconversion reduction and ~ 2.0 μm emission enhancement in Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply-doped TNZ glass is also discussed. Our results indicate that the Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply-doped TNZ glass is a promising candidate material for improving the Ho3+ 2.0 μm fiber laser performance.

► Ho3+ 1.20 μm emission is enhanced in Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ triply-doped tellurite glass.
► Yb3+ → Ho3+ energy transfer efficiency is improved to 42.6% after adding of Ce3+.
► Upconversion in Ho3+ 5I6 is reduced by cross relaxation and energy transfer.