Preparation and spectroscopic properties of nanostructured glass-ceramics containing Yb3+, Er3+ ions and Co2+-doped spinel nanocrystals

Transparent glass-ceramics with Yb3+, Er3+ ions in glass matrix and tetrahedral Co2+-doped MgAl2O4 nanocrystals were synthesized. XRD patterns and FESEM micrograph of the glass-ceramics showed that MgAl2O4 nanocrystals (sizes of 10–20 nm) are uniformly dispersed in SiO2 glass matrix. Absorption and emission spectra of the glass-ceramics indicated that Yb3+, Er3+ remain in SiO2 glass matrix, while Co2+ occupied tetrahedral sites in MgAl2O4 nanocrystals, and can function as saturable absorber for Er3+. Transparent Co2+, Yb3+, Er3+ co-doped glass-ceramics possesses the spectral requirements and should be a potential laser material used for self-Q-switched microchip laser operating at 1.5–1.6 μm.

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