Optical properties of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped transparent PLZT ceramic

Optical absorption and emission spectra of Er3+/Yb3+ ions in PLZT (Pb1−xLaxZryTi1−yO3) ceramic have been studied. Based on the Judd—Ofelt (J–O) theory, the J–O intensity parameters were calculated to be Ω2=2.021×10−20 cm2, Ω4=0.423×10−20 cm2, Ω6=0.051×10−20 cm2 from the absorption spectrum of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped PLZT. The J–O intensity parameters have been used to calculate the radiative lifetimes and the branching ratios for some excited 4I13/2, 4I11/2, 4I9/24F9/2, and 4S3/2 levels of Er3+ ion. The stimulated emission cross-section (8.24×10−21 cm2) was evaluated for the 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition of Er3+. The upconversion emissions at 538, 564, and 666 nm have been observed in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped PLZT by exciting at 980 nm, and their origins were identified and analyzed.