Spectroscopic and lasing properties of Er3+-doped glass microspheres

We report experimental results on the characterization of microspherical cavities fabricated in Er3+-doped modified-silica and phosphate glasses. The spectroscopic properties of the bulk precursor glasses as compared to the obtained microspheres were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy and lifetime measurement for the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions. In both types of glasses we demonstrate whispering gallery mode laser action at various wavelengths around 1550 nm by using a 1480 nm pump laser coupled through a tapered fiber.