Fluorescence characteristics and energy transfer of ytterbium-sensitized erbium-doped fluorophosphate glass for amplifier applications

•Intense 1.55 μm emission has been obtained in Er3+/Yb3+ doped fluorophosphate glass.•Radiative properties have been determined using Judd-Ofelt theory.•Energy transfer microparameters is analyzed using Förster-Dexter models.•Present glass possesses high rare earth ions solubility and broad gain cross section.•This Er3+/Yb3+ codoped FP glass is a promising material for 1.55 μm laser.

Yb3+/Er3+ codoped fluorophosphate glass has been investigated for developing broadband waveguide amplifier application. Spectroscopic properties and energy transfer microparameters of prepared glasses have been discussed. The spectral components of 1.55 μm emission are analyzed and an equivalent four-level system is proposed to estimate the stark splitting for the 4I15/2 and 4I13/2 levels in Er3+ doped fluorophosphate glass. The results indicate that highly doped Yb3+ ions could transfer energy to Er ions efficiently in fluorophosphate glass and Er3+/Yb3+ doped fluorophosphate glass is preferable for broadband Er3+-doped waveguide amplifier application.