Effect of heat treatment on Er3+ containing multicomponent oxyfluoride lead borate glass system

Effect of heat treatment on Er3+ containing multicomponent oxyfluoride lead borate glasses in (72 − x)PbO–xPbF2–18B2O3–6Al2O3–3WO3–1ErF3 (where x = 9 or 72) system have been studied. The samples with low and high PbF2 concentrations were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and luminescence spectroscopy. Several narrowed and relatively intense diffraction lines have been formed after heat treatment attributed to the orthorhombic PbF2 phase. Luminescence spectroscopy revealed bands due to 4I13/2–4I15/2 and 4S3/2–4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions. This observation makes these glasses candidates for NIR laser active media and up-conversion applications.