Er3+ ions luminescence in non-fused silicate glasses fabricated by SPCVD

Er3+ luminescence in bulk silica samples with Ge, Al, K, N, F additives is investigated. Doped glasses were synthesized by means of a reduced-pressure plasma chemical method in a microwave-induced discharge. Luminescence spectra and decay times at 0.98 and 1.53 μm wavelengths were recorded from the samples with erbium concentration up to 4.2 × 1020 cm−3 pumped by Ar+ laser at 514.5 nm wavelength. It is shown, that Er3+ luminescent properties in the glass, obtained by melting techniques, and similar glass, synthesized by plasma chemical deposition at low temperatures, are different. In particular, no fall in quantum yield of luminescence at 1.53 μm wavelength in aluminum silicate and potassium silicate hosts is established up to Er3+ concentrations ∼2 × 1020 cm−3.