Spectroscopic properties of new Yb3+-doped TeO2–ZnO–Nb2O5 based tellurite glasses with high emission cross-section

Novel Yb3+-doped TeO2–ZnO–Nb2O5 based tellurite glasses with high stimulated emission cross-section were prepared by melt-quenching method, and their spectroscopic and gain properties were investigated by means of absorption spectrum, fluorescence decay curve and fluorescence emission spectrum. The results show that the stimulated emission cross-section of the Pb2+-doped glass increases with the increase of PbF2 concentration. Toward the samples with co-existence of Pb2+ and Zr4+ ions, the stimulated emission cross-sections achieve 1.42 pm2 and 1.48 pm2 when PbF2 concentrations are 2 mol% and 6 mol%, respectively. All these indicate that the Yb3+-doped TeO2–ZnO–Nb2O5–PbF2–ZrF4 glasses are a good candidate working as an active laser media for solid lasers.

► Novel Yb3+-doped TeO2–ZnO–Nb2O5–PbF2–ZrF4 glasses. ► Stimulated emission cross-sections increase with the increase of PbF2 concentration. ► Highest emission cross-section through co-effect of Pb2+ and Zr4+.