Thermal analysis and near-infrared luminescence of Er3+-doped lead phosphate glasses modified by PbF2

Thermal, structural and optical properties of lead phosphate glasses containing Er3+ ions have been studied as a function of PbF2 concentration. Incorporation of PbF2 results in structural and spectroscopic changes around Er3+ ions and surrounding ligands, which were analyzed in detail using by DSC, XRD, absorption and luminescence spectroscopy. Especially, near-infrared luminescence spectra due to main 4I13/2 - 4I15/2 laser transition of Er3+ ions are presented and discussed with PbF2 content. Based on decay curve measurements the 4I13/2 luminescence lifetime of Er3+ was determined and its value is found to be maximum at 18 mol% of PbF2.