Spectral studies of erbium doped soda lime silicate glasses in visible and near infrared regions

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of Er3+ doped soda lime silicate glasses of the composition (in wt.%) 68.94SiO2–22.55Na2O–1.91CaO–4.96K2O–0.85B2O3–0.29As2O3–xEr2O3 where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5 have been studied in the UV–VIS/NIR regions. From the measured intensities of the various absorption bands of these glasses, the Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω2, Ω4 and Ω6 have been evaluated. Judd–Ofelt theory has been successfully applied to characterize the absorption and luminescence spectra of these glasses. From this theory various radiative properties like spontaneous emission probability, radiative life time, fluorescence branching ratio and stimulated emission cross-section for various emission bands of these glasses in the visible and NIR spectral regions have been determined and reported. An attempt has been made to through some light on the environment of Er3+ in this glass system. Radiative properties of fluorescence band at ∼1.54 μm suggest the suitability of this glass system for broadband amplifier in the third telecom window.