Luminescence and decay trends for NIR transition (4I13/2 → 4Il5/2) at 1.5 μm in Er3+-doped LBT glasses

Erbium oxide (0.5–4 mol%) doped lithium boro tellurite (LBT) glasses have been prepared and the NIR emission band at 1.5 μm characterized. By pumping with LED excitation sources at 495 nm and 970 nm, a broader NIR emission transition (4I13/2 → 4Il5/2) was observed. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω2 = 7.36 × 10−20 cm2; Ω4 = 2.79 × 10−20 cm2 and Ω6 = 2.32 × 10−20 cm2) were derived for the 1 mol% Er3+-doped LBT glass and compared with other tellurite host glasses. The full width at half the maximum (FWHM), stimulated emission cross-sections (σPE) and lifetimes (τmea) for NIR luminescence transitions 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 are reported. For both excitation wavelengths, overall the decay times were found to decrease with increasing erbium content. The present study describes the excitation dependent luminescence properties for this NIR transition.

Graphical abstractThe NIR decay parameters and trends have been reported for LBT glasses. At a lower concentration of erbium, a difference in decay time of 0.07 ms, for both excitation sources was noticed. In fact, the excitation source was also play an important role on the NIR transitions. Figures (Left and Right) show the measured lifetimes (τmea) values for NIR transition (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) of (0.5–4 mol%) erbium oxide doped LBT glasses at λex = 495 nm 970 nm.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (221 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Erbium oxide (0.5–4 mol%) doped LBT glasses have been prepared and characterized. ► Two LED excitation sources, at 495 nm and 970 nm, were used. ► A broader NIR emission transition (4I13/2 → 4I15/2) was observed in both excitations. ► The present composition is a promising host for erbium oxide in optical amplifiers.