Highly Er^3 ＋／Yb^3＋ Co-Doped Fluoroaluminate Glasses for Microchip Laser at 1.54μm

A series of highly Er^3 /Yb^3 co-doped fluoroaluminate glasses were investigated in order to develop a microchip laser at 1.54μm under 980nm excitation. Measurements of absorption, emission and up-conversion spectra were performed to examine the effect of concentration quenching on spectroscopic properties. In the glasses with Er^3 concentrations below 10% (mol fraction), concentration quenching is low and the Er^3 /Yb^3 co-doped fluoroaluminate glasses gave stronger fluorescence of 1.54μm from the 4113/2→^4I15/2 transition than those of Er^3 singly-doped glasses. In the glass with Er^3 concentrations above 10%, concentration quenching of 1.54μm obviously occurs more than that of the Er^3 singly-doped samples because of the back energy-transfer from Er^3 to Yb^3 . To obtain the highest emission efficien-cy at 1.54μm, the optimum doping-concentration ratio of Er^3 /Yb^3 is found to be approximately 1 : 1 in mol fraction when the Er^3 concentration is less than 10%.     

Optical Spectroscopy of Er^3＋ and Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ Co-doped Bi2O3-GeO2-B2O3-ZnO Glasses

The （60 - x）Bi2O3 - xGeO2-30B2O3-10ZnO （x = 5, 10, 20, 30 molar percent） glasses doped with Er^3＋ and Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ were fabricated using the melting method. The thermal stability of the glasses was studied with their DTA curves. The results show that the difference between the glass transition temperature and the crystallization onset temperature increases with the increase of GeO2 content, indicating that the thermal stability of the glass has become better. The absorption spectra were recorded and the stimulated emission cross sections were calculated using the McCumber theory. The Ω2, O4, and Ω6 parameters,the transition probability, the radiative lifetime, and the fluorescence branch ratio of Er^3＋ for optical transition were calculated from their absorption spectra in terms of reduced matrix U^（t）（λ = 2, 4, 6） character for optical transitions. The infrared emission of Er^3＋ was measured upon excitation with 970 nm light and the full width at half-maximum （FWHM） was estimated from the emission spectra. The pumping efficiency and the intensity of the emission at the 1.54 μm band of Er^3＋ were enhanced considerably by co-doping Yb^3＋ .     

Preparation and Upconversion Luminescence of Y3Al5O12 ： Yb^3＋ , Er^3＋ Trapsparent Ceramics

YAG： 1% （atom fraction） Yb^3＋ , 0.5% （atom fraction） Er3＋ transparent ceramics were fabricated by the solid state reaction method using high-purity Y2O3, Al2O3, Yb2O3, and Er2O3 powders as starting materials. The mixed powder compact was sintered at 1760 ℃ for 6 h in vacuum and annealed at 1500 ℃ for 10 h in an air atmosphere. The ceramics consisted of about 10μm grains and exhibited a pore-free structure. The optical transmittance of the ceramics at 1064 nm was nearly 80%. Upconversion emissions were investigated on the ceramics pumped by a 980 nm continuous wave diode laser, and strong green emission centered at 523 and 559 nm and red emission centered at 669 nm were observed, which originated from the radiative transitions of ^2H11/2→^4I15/2, ^4S3/2→^4I15/2, and ^4F9/2→^4I15/2 of Er^3＋ ions, respectively.     

Spectroscopic Properties and Judd-Ofelt Theory Analysis of Er^3＋-Doped Heavy Metal Oxyfluoride Silicate Glass

Er^3 -doped heavy metal oxyfluoride silicate glass was fabricated and characterized, and the absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of the glass were studied. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωt(t=2, 4, 6), spontaneous transition probability, fluorescence branching ratio and radiative lifetime of each energy levels for Er^3 were calculated by Judd-Ofelt theory, and stimulated emission cross-section of ^4I13/2→^4I15/2 transition was calculated by McCumber theory. The results show that fluorescence full width at half maximum and stimulated emission cross-section of Er^3 -doped heavy metal oxyfluoride silicate glass are broad and large, respectively. Compared with other host glasses, the gain bandwidth property of Er^3 -doped heavy metal oxyfluoride silicate glass is close to those of tellurite and bismuth glasses, and has advantage over those of silicate, phosphate and germante glasses.     

Spectroscopic Properties and Effect of Radiation Trapping of a New Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ Co-Doped Tellurite-Silicate Glasses

A new serials of Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ co-doped tellurite-silicate glasses were prepared by the technique of high-temperature mehing. The thermal stability, absorption spectra, emission spectra and upconversion spectra were measured and investigated. It is found that these kinds of glasses have good thermal stability, broad FWHM and large stimulated emission cross-section. The three upconversion emission at 525, 546, 658 nm, corresponding to the ^2H11/2→^4Ⅰ15/2, ^4S3/2→4^Ⅰ15/2 and ^F9/2→^4Ⅰ15/2 transitions of Dr^3＋ ions,     

Upconversion luminescence of Y2O3：Er^3＋ ,Yb^3＋ nanoparticles prepared by a homogeneous precipitation method

Y2O3： Er^3＋, Yb^3＋ nanoparticles were synthesized by a homogeneous precipitation method without and with different concentrations of EDTA 2Na. Upconversion luminescence spectra of the samples were studied under 980 nm laser excitation. The results of XRD showed that the obtained Y2O3：Er^3＋,Yb^3＋ nanoparticles were of a cubic structure. The average crystallite sizes calculated were in the range of 28-40 nm. Green and red upconversion emission were observed, and attributed to ^2H11/2,^4S3/2→^4I15/2 and ^4F9/2→^4I15/2 transitions of the ion, respectively. The ratio of the intensity of green emission to that of red emission drastically changed with a change in the EDTA 2Na concentration. In the sample synthesized without EDTA, the relative intensity of the green emission was weaker than that of the red emission. The relative intensities of green emission increased with the increased amount of EDTA 2Na used. The possible upconversion luminescence mechanisms were discussed.     

Investigation on energy transfer from Er^3＋ to Nd^3＋ in tellurite glass

A study of energy transfer of Er^3＋/Nd^3＋ codoped tellurite glasses was presented. By Nd^3＋ co-doping, both the Er^3＋ green emission corresponding to the Er^3＋： （^4S3/2, ^2H11/2）→^4I15/2 transitions and the red emission corresponding to the Er^3＋： ^4F9/2→^4I15/2 transitions were quenched. The energy transfer mechanism between Er^3＋ and Nd^3＋ was discussed based on their energy level characteristics. The interaction parameters, CO-A, for the energy transfer processes from Er^3＋ to Nd^3＋ in tellurites glass were calculated. Finally, the resonant transfer Er^3＋： ^4I9/2→Nd^3＋： （^4F5/2, ^2H9/2） was proposed to be the most probable microscopic process to occur in contrast with the other processes.     

Spectral properties and energy transfer of Tm^3＋/Ho^3＋-codoped Ga2O3-Bi2O3-GeO2-PbO glasses

The 2.0 μm emission originating from Ho^3＋：^5I7→^5I8 were investigated upon excitation with 808 nm laser diode （LD） transition in Ho^3＋/Tm^3＋-codoped gallate-bismuth-germanium-lead glasses Energy transfer （ET） process between Tm^3＋： ^3F4 level and Ho^3＋： ^5I7 level was also discussed. It was noted that the measured peak wavelength and stimulated emission cross-section of Ho^3＋-doped bismuth-germanium-lead glasses were -2.02 μm and 5.1×10^-21 cm^2, respectively. Intense emission of Ho^3＋ in Tm^3＋/Ho^3＋-codoped GBPG glass were observed, which resulted from the ET between Tm^3＋： ^3F4 and Ho^3＋： ^5I7 level upon excitation with 808 nm LD.     

Upconversion Luminescence Properties of Ho^3＋, Tm^3＋, Yb^3＋ Co-Doped Nanocrystal NaYF4 Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method

Nanocrystal of upconversion （UC） phosphor Ho^3＋, Tm^3＋ , and Yb^3＋ co-doped NaYF4 was prepared by the hydrothermal method in the presence of the complexing agent EDTA. Under 980 nm diode laser excitation, the impact of different concentrations of Ho^3＋ ion on the UC luminescence intensity was discussed. The law of luminescence intensity versus pump power shows that the 474 nm blue emission, 538 nm green emission, and 642 nm red emission are all due to the two-photon process, while the 450 nm blue emission is a three-photon process. The UC mechanism and processes were also analyzed. The sample was characterized by transmission electron microscopy （TEM） and X-ray diffraction （XRD）. The result shows that Ho^3＋ ,Tm^3＋ , and Yb^3＋ co-doped NaYF4 prepared by the hydrothermal method exhibits a hexagonal nanocrystal.     

Spectroscopic Properties of Nd^3＋ -Doped High Silica Glass Prepared by Sintering Porous Glass

A new kind of Nd^3＋-doped high silica glass （SiO2 〉 96% （mass fraction）） was obtained by sintering porous glass impregnated with Nd^3 ＋ ions. The absorption and luminescence properties of high silica glass doped with different Nd^3 ＋ concentrations were studied. The intensity parameters Ωt （t = 2, 4, 6）, spontaneous emission probability, fluorescence lifetime, radiative quantum efficiency, fluorescence branching ratio, and stimulated emission cross section were calculated using the Judd-Ofelt theory. The optimal Nd^3＋ concentration in high silica glass was 0.27% （mole fraction） because of its high quantum efficiency and emission intensity. By comparing the spectroscopic parameters with other Nd^3 ＋- doped oxide glasses and commercial silicate glasses, the Nd^3 ＋ -doped high silica glasses are likely to be a promising material used for high power and high repetition rate lasers.     

Highly Er3+/Yb3+ Co-Doped Fluoroaluminate Glasses for Microchip Laser at 1.54 μm

A series of highly Er3 /Yb3 co-doped fluoroaluminate glasses were investigated in order to develop a microchip laser at 1.54 μm under 980 nm excitation. Measurements of absorption, emission and up-conversion spectra were performed to examine the effect of concentration quenching on spectroscopic properties. In the glasses with Er3 concentrations below 10% (mol fraction), concentration quenching is low and the Er3 /Yb3 co-doped fluoroaluminate glasses gave stronger fluorescence of 1.54 μm from the 4I13/2→ 4I15/2 transition than those of Er3 singly-doped glasses. In the glass with Er3 concentrations above 10%, concentration quenching of 1.54 μm obviously occurs more than that of the Er3 singly-doped samples because of the back energy-transfer from Er3 to Yb3 . To obtain the highest emission efficiency at 1.54 μm, the optimum in mol fraction when the Er3 concentration is less than 10%.     

Upconversion luminescence of Y2O3:Er3+, Yb3+ nanoparticles prepared by a homogeneous precipitation method

Y2O3: Er3 , Yb3 nanoparticles were synthesized by a homogeneous precipitation method without and with different concentrations of EDTA 2Na. Upconversion luminescence spectra of the samples were studied under 980 nm laser excitation. The results of XRD showed that the obtained Y2O3:Er3 ,Yb3 nanoparticles were of a cubic structure. The average crystallite sizes calculated were in the range of 28-40 nm. Green and red upconversion emission were observed, and attributed to 2H11/ 2,4S3/ 2→4I15/ 2 and 4F9/ 2→4I15/2 transitions of the Er3 ion, respectively. The ratio of the intensity of green emission to that of red emission drastically changed with a change in the EDTA 2Na concentration. In the sample synthesized without EDTA, the relative intensity of the green emission was weaker than that of the red emission. The relative intensities of green emission increased with the increased amount of EDTA 2Na used. The possible upconversion luminescence mechanisms were discussed.     

Energy transfer in Tb~（3＋）,Yb~（3＋） codoped Lu_2O_3 near-infrared downconversion nanophosphors

Tb3+ and Yb3+ codoped Lu2O3 nanophosphors were synthesized by the reverse-strike co-precipitation method. The obtained Lu2O3:Tb3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. The XRD results showed that all the prepared nanophosphors could be readily indexed to pure cubic phase of Lu2O3 and indicated good crystallinity. The Tb3+→Yb3+ energy transfer mechanisms in the UV-blue region in Lu2O3 nanophosphors were investigated. The experimental results showed that the strong visible emission around 543 nm from Tb3+ (5D4→7F5) and near-infrared (NIR) emission around 973 nm from Yb3+ (2F5/2→2F7/2) of Lu2O3:Tb3+,Yb3+ nanophosphors were observed under ultraviolet light excitation, respectively. Tb3+ could be effectively excited up to its 4f75d1 state and relaxed down to the 5D4 level, from which the energy was transferred cooperatively to two neighboring Yb3+. The Yb3+ concentration dependent luminescent properties and lifetimes of both the visible and NIR emissions were also studied. The lifetime of the visible emission decreased with the increase of Yb3+ concentration, verifying the efficient energy transfer from the Tb3+ to the Yb3+. Cooperative energy transfer (CET) from Tb3+ to Yb3+ was discussed as a possible mechanism for the near-infrared emission. When doped concentrations were 1 mol.% Tb3+ and 2 mol.% Yb3+, the intensity of NIR emission was the strongest.     

Broadband 1.53 μm emission in Er3+-doped Ga-Bi-Pb-Ge heavy metal oxide glasses

We investigated the thermal stability and spectroscopic properties of the 1.53 μm emission from 4I13/2→4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped Ga-Bi-Pb-Ge heavy metal oxide glass for use in broadband fiber amplifiers. It was noted that the addition of GeO2 ef-fectively enhanced the thermal stability of the heavy metal oxide glass studied. The emission peak located at approximately 1530 nm with a full width at half-maximum of approximately 58 nm. The measured lifetime and the calculated emission cross-section of this transition were ～3.2 ms and-10.3×10-21 cm2, respectively. As a result, Ga-Bi-Pb-Ge heavy metal oxide glasses were assumed to be potential host material for the 1.53 μm broadband optical fiber amplifiers.     

Energy transfer and frequency upconversion in Er~（3＋）-Yb~（3＋） codoped oxy-fluoro-tungstosilicate glasses

Er3+-Yb3+ codoped oxy-fluoro-tungstosilicate glasses with infrared-to-visible frequency upconversion luminescence were prepared by melting quenching in air.The effects of Er3+ doping on the optical properties of the samples were measured by means of techniques such as optical absorption spectra and photoluminescence spectra.The results showed that intense green and red signals centered at 546 and 665 nm,corresponding to the 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ by a multiphoton stepwise phonon-assisted excited-state absorption process,respectively,were simultaneously observed by exciting the samples with a diode laser operating at 980 nm at room temperature.The upconversion process was found very sensitive to Er3+ content at a constant Yb2O3 content of 5 mol.%.With the increase of Er3+ content from 0.5% to 1.5%,the upconversion intensity increased gradually.Further increasing of Er3+ content to 3.0% resulted in a significant fluorescence quenching.Moreover,the possible upconversion mechanisms were discussed based on the energy-matching conditions and the quadratic dependence on excitation power.     

Spectral variations of Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce phosphors via substitution and energy transfer

The luminescence intensity of emission peak at around 525 nm decreased in the Ce3+ and Er3+ co-doped Ca3Sc2Si3O12 phosphors. Mg2+ ion, which was likely incorporated into the Sc3+ position of the host crystal, was co-doped to adjust the crystal field and compensate for the excess positive charge due to the doping of Ce3+. The green emission belonged to the 5d→4f transition of Ce3+ moved toward longer wavelength by addition of Mg2+ in Ce3+ and Er3+ co-doped Ca3Sc2Si3O12 phosphor, which could increase the brightness of the phosphor. However, the position of weakening of luminescence intensity at around 525 nm remained basically unchanged by increasing the amount of Mg2+. The results showed that the weakening of luminescence intensity at around 525 nm caused by the absorption of Er3+, which had little influence on the environment of the crystal field.     

Polarized spectral analysis of Er3+ ions in Er3+/yb3+:LiLa(MoO4)2 crystal

Optical characteristics and upconversion dynamics of Er3+ in Er3+/Yb3+:LiLa(MoO4)2 crystals were investigated. The absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra and the fluorescence decay curves were analyzed at room temperature. The infrared emission at 1538 nm and visible emissions at 520–569 and 640–670 nm, corresponding to 2H11/2,4S3/2→4I15/2 and 4F9/2→4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions, were simultaneously observed in Er3+/Yb3+:LiLa(MoO4)2 crystals under 976 nm excitation at room temperature. The maximal emission cross-section near 1530 nm for π-polarization was 0.63×10–20 cm2 and the measured lifetime of 4I13/2 was 4.88 ms. The upconversion process was involved in sequential two-phonon processes, either the energy transfer from Yb3+ ions or by the excited state absorption.     

Upconversion properties of Y2O3：Er films prepared by sol-gel method

Y2O3:Er3+ films were prepared by a simple sol-gel process. The structural properties of Y2O3:Er3+ flints were characterized with X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the Y2O3:Er3+ f'rims might have high upconversion efficiency because of their low vibrational energy. Under 785 and 980 nm laser excitation, the samples showed green (2H11/2→4I15/2, 4S3/2→4I15/2) and red (4F9/2→4I15/2) upconversion emissions. The upconversion mechanisms were stud-led in detail through laser power dependence. Excited state absorption and energy transfer process were discussed as possible upconversion mechanisms. The cross relaxation process in Er3+ was also investigated.