White upconversion luminescence in Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply doped K+–Na+ ion-exchanged aluminum germanate glass channel waveguide

Rare-earth ions doped K+–Na+ ion-exchanged aluminum germanate (NMAG) glass channel waveguides have been designed and fabricated. Under 980 nm laser pumping, an intense upconversion white light transmission trace was observed in Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply doped NMAG glass channel waveguide and a high-brightness light spot was achieved from the output end of the fiber connected to the waveguide channel. The fluorescent colors were diverse and located within or near the white region in CIE chromaticity diagram under various pumping powers. These admirable results indicate that Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply doped NMAG channel waveguide is a promising light source for medical and high-precision processing illumination.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (85 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ doped aluminum germanate glass channel waveguide is designed. ► Bright white upconversion amplified spontaneous emission (UASE) is achieved. ► UASE fluorescence colors depending on different pumping powers are identified. ► White UASE fluorescence holds promise for high-precision processing illumination.