An efficient 2.0 μm emission of Er3+/Ho3+ co-doped lead silicate glass

Er3+/Ho3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses with superior thermo-mechanical and chemical properties are synthesized. Efficient 2.0 μm emission of Ho3+:5I7 → 5I8 sensitized by Er3+ ions from the prepared glasses is obtained under 980 nm laser diode pumping. Energy transfer mechanism between Er3+ and Ho3+ is analyzed. According to the absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt parameters, spontaneous transition probability and radiative lifetime have been calculated and discussed. Absorption and emission cross sections have also been calculated and analyzed. The maximum emission cross section is 4.2 × 10−21 cm2 around 2.0 μm. The gain coefficient reaches 2.1 cm−1 at 2.018 μm. These results ensure that the Er3+/Ho3+ co-doped lead silicate glasses have potential applications in mid-infrared wavelengths and can obtain high gain in fiber lasers.