Enhanced spectroscopic properties in Er3+/Yb3+-activated fluoride glass–ceramics planar waveguides

Bulk and planar waveguides fluoride glass–ceramics activated by erbium and ytterbium ions were prepared in the ZrF4–LaF3–ErF3 system. Waveguides were obtained by use of physical vapor deposition process. All samples were characterized by luminescence spectroscopy. The results are discussed with the aim of assessing the role of ytterbium on the optical and spectroscopic properties of erbium doped glass–ceramics bulk and waveguides.