Effects of Yb ion concentration on the spectral properties of lead silica glasses

The spectral properties in different concentration of Yb ions (0.5-5 mol%)-doped silica glasses are explored in this paper. The glasses are prepared by traditional melting method. The absorption spectra and the fluorescent lifetime (τf) are measured at room temperature and low temperature (18 K). The stimulated cross-section (σemi) and potential laser properties (βmin, Isat, Imin) are calculated based on the absorption spectra. The absorption cross-section (σabs) are in the range 1.08 × 10−20- 1.18 × 10−20 cm2 in different glasses, the fluorescence lifetime (τf) change from 1.9 to 1.2 ms with the increase of Yb3+ concentration. The potential laser properties indicate that lead silica glass is a good host for highly Yb ion doping glass.