Spectroscopic properties of Sm3+-doped oxide and fluoride glasses for efficient visible lasers (560–660 nm)

The spectroscopic properties of Sm3+-ions in tellurite, fluorophosphate, and fluorine-modified silicate glasses are examined under the excitations at 488 nm (Ar+ ion laser) and 1060 nm laser. The effect of dopant ion and glass–host interaction, branching ratio of transitions and line shapes of emission lines in the visible region are discussed in view of the ionicity and covalency of hosts. The lifetimes of metastable levels are also reported and the results are explained for designing the visible and UV laser hosts.