Intense Upconversion Luminescence of Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>O Content Tungsten-tellurite Glasses

The Er³⁺ -Yb³⁺ codoped in Li₂O content tungsten -tellurite (TWL) transparent glasses are synthesized and measured the absorption, Raman and upconversion luminescence (UPL) spectra. At room temperature intense green emission peak at 560 nm ( ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2) and red emission peak at 670 nm ( ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2) of Er³⁺ observed even at minimum 86 mW pumping power of infrared 980 nm excitation. For structure of the TWL glass, Raman spectrum result revealed that an important role of WO₃ in the formation of glass network linkage with Li₂O. Under this influence estimated lifetime of the ⁴I_11/2 of Er³⁺ was 1.89 μs and due to lower phonon energy of the glass produce strong upconversion signal. The effect of Er₂O₃ concentration on emission intensity result indicated that green emission intensity initially increase in compare to red emission. Under the 980 nm pump power variation measured the relatively increases the red emission to the green emission intensity and analyze the possible upconversion mechanism and process.     

Polarized spectral properties of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in NaGd(WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> crystal

Polarized spectral properties of Er³⁺:NaGd(WO₄)₂ single crystal are reported. The crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The Judd–Ofelt theory was applied to analyze the polarized absorption spectra and then calculate the spontaneous emission probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and branching ratios. Fluorescence decay curves of the ⁴ I _13/2, ⁴ I _11/2, and ⁴ S _3/2 multiplets for the Er³⁺ ions were measured. Stimulated emission cross-sections of the ⁴ I _13/2→⁴ I _15/2 transition obtained by the Fuchtbauer–Ladenberg formula and the reciprocity method were compared. Multi-phonon relaxation rates of the crystal were estimated. Green up-conversion fluorescence around 531 and 552 nm was observed, and the possible up-conversion mechanisms were proposed. PACS 78.20.-e; 42.70.Hj     

Investigation on nonradiative decay of I13/2→I15/2 transition of Er-doped oxide glasses

Nonradiative decay of ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺ has been investigated in a series of oxide glasses. For Er³⁺-doped glass samples, the Judd-Ofelt analysis on absorption spectra was performed and the fluorescence lifetime was determined by extrapolating to zero Er³⁺ concentration limit. Infrared spectra were measured in order to investigate the influence of OH⁻ groups in different glasses. The effects of glass matrix on the decay rate were discussed from the viewpoint of phonon energy, variations of effective fields, and OH⁻ groups. Compared to other glasses, phosphate glass presents low quantum efficiency and large nonradiative decay rate due to its high phonon energy and hygroscopic behavior.     

Spectroscopy,continuous-wave and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q</Emphasis>-switched diode-pumped laser operation of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>:YVO<Subscript>4</Subscript> crystal

We report on the spectroscopy and, for the first time to our knowledge, continuous-wave and Q-switched diode-pumped laser operation of Er,Yb:YVO₄ crystal. Absorption and emission spectra of the crystal were determined. Lifetimes of Er^{3+ 4} I _13/2 and ⁴ I _11/2 levels that define laser performance of the crystal were measured and parameters of energy transfer between Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions were estimated. cw output power of 115 mW with slope efficiency of 5.4% was achieved at 1604 nm. In the Q-switched mode an average output power of 81 mW with slope efficiency of 3.5% and pulse duration of 150 ns was obtained. In quasi-cw regime maximal peak power of 610 mW with slope efficiency of 6.7% was demonstrated. PACS 42.55.Xi; 42.60.Gd; 42.70.Hj     

Broadband infrared luminescence from transparent glass–ceramics containing Ni<Superscript>2+</Superscript>-doped <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">β</Emphasis> -Ga<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanocrystals

Transparent Ni²⁺-doped β-Ga₂O₃ glass–ceramics were synthesized. The nanocrystal phase in the glass–ceramics was identified to be β-Ga₂O₃ and its size was about 3.6 nm. It was confirmed from the absorption spectra that the ligand environment of Ni²⁺ ions changed from the trigonal bi-pyramid fivefold sites in the as-cast glass to the octahedral sites in the glass–ceramics. The broadband infrared emission centering at 1270 nm with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of more than 250 nm was observed. The fluorescence lifetime was about 1.1 μs at room temperature. The observed infrared emission could be attributed to the ³ T _2g (³ F )→³ A _2g (³ F ) transition of octahedral Ni²⁺ ions. It is suggested that the Ni²⁺-doped transparent β-Ga₂O₃ glass–ceramics with broad bandwidth and long lifetime have a potential as a broadband amplification medium. PACS 42.70.-a; 42.70.Ce; 81.40.Tv     

Luminescence of transparent glass ceramics containing Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> zirconate-titanate nanocrystals

Luminescence regularities have been studied in new erbium/ytterbium materials based on glasses and glass ceramics of a magnesium-aluminosilicate system containing nanoscale erbium/ytterbium zirconate titanate crystals with the pyrochlore structure. Lifetimes of Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions in the ² F_5/2 state and in the ⁴I_11/2 and ⁴I_13/2 states, respectively, and the efficiency of Yb³⁺ → Er³⁺ energy transfer have been evaluated. The identified spectral-luminescent characteristics of the studied glasses and glass ceramics co-doped with erbium and ytterbium ions show that these materials are promising media for producing laser generation in the spectral range around 1.5 μm.     

Study of frequency upconversion in Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> by cooperative energy transfer in oxyfluoroborate glass matrix

Oxyfluoroborate glass co-doped with Eu and Yb ions has been prepared and characterized for its optical properties through photoluminescence, absorption and lifetime measurements. An intense red upconversion is observed from the ⁵D₀ level of Eu³⁺ ions through energy transfer from Yb³⁺ to Eu³⁺ ion when excited with 980 nm. The Judd–Ofelt parameters have been evaluated to estimate the local site symmetry around the Eu³⁺ ions. These parameters have been used to derive radiative properties such as transition probabilities, branching ratios, radiative lifetimes and stimulated emission cross-sections for the ⁵D₀–⁷F_J transitions. Decay of excitation of the ⁵D₀ level has been measured by monitoring the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition (613 nm) at room temperature. Quantum efficiency for this transition is found to be 73%. We also monitored the effect of temperature on the fluorescence emission of Eu³⁺. PACS 42.70.Ce; 42.70.Hj     

Spectroscopic properties of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in Sc:LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystal

The results of Er³⁺ ion spectroscopic analysis in Sc:LiNbO₃ crystals were reported. The line strengths from the ground state to the excited state were evaluated from the measured unpolarized absorption spectrum and analyzed by using standard Judd–Ofelt theory. For Sc(3 mol. %):Er (1 mol. %):LiNbO₃ crystal, the obtained intensity parameters are: Ω₂=3.72×10^-20 cm², Ω₄=1.07×10^-20 cm², and Ω₆=0.98×10^-20 cm². The fluorescence spectra and microsecond time-resolved spectra were investigated in the visible region. The excited state absorption transition strengths at 800 nm excitation were evaluated based on Judd–Ofelt theory. The results obtained here were compared to results from other research on Er:LiNbO₃ crystals. PACS 71.20.Eh; 77.84.Dy; 42.70.Hj; 42.62.Fi; 42.65.Ky     

Localized desvitrifiation in Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped strontium barium niobate glass by laser irradiation

Localized desvitrifiation in strontium barium niobate glass doped with Er³⁺ under laser irradiation has been carried out. The samples of this study have been fabricated by the melt quenching method and doped with 5% mol of Er³⁺. A 1.5-W cw Ar laser was focused on the sample to obtain desvitrifiation of the glass. Evidence of the changes induced by the Ar laser has been observed through the analysis of the photoluminescence of the Er³⁺ ions. The transitions corresponding to ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 have been studied to analyze structure changes. Microluminescence measurements have been carried out to spatially select positions inside and outside the irradiated area. We have observed changes in the emission bands corresponding to these transitions. The emission bands from Er³⁺ ions in the irradiated zone show a resolved structure while they are broadened outside that area. These changes in the optical properties of the Er³⁺ ions indicate that the Ar-laser irradiation has produced a change in the local structure of the material. These results show that a localized desvitrifiation has been produced after the laser action and the transition from glass to glass ceramic has been completed.     

Defect Structure and Up-conversion Luminescence Properties of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Nanomaterials

The up-converting ZrO₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ nanomaterials were prepared with the combustion and sol–gel methods. FT-IR spectroscopy was used for analyzing the impurities. The crystal structures were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction and the mean crystallite sizes were estimated with the Scherrer formula. Up-conversion luminescence measurements were made at room temperature with IR-laser excitation at 977 nm. The IR spectra revealed the conventional and OH⁻ impurities for the combustion synthesis products. The structure of the ZrO₂:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ nanomaterials was cubic except for the minor monoclinic and tetragonal impurities obtained with the sol–gel method. The materials showed red (650–700 nm) and green (520–560 nm) up-conversion luminescence due to the ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and (²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2)→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, respectively. The products obtained with the combustion synthesis exhibited the most intense luminescence intensity and showed considerable afterglow.     

Spectroscopy and laser properties of Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>:KY(WO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> crystal

The polarized absorption spectra of Tm³⁺-doped potassium yttrium tungstate (Tm:KY(WO₄)₂) crystal at room temperature were measured. The emission spectrum and lifetime of the ³ F ₄ excited state were determined. Using standard and modified Judd–Ofelt theories, the intensity parameters and the radiative lifetimes were calculated and good agreement with the experimental results was obtained for both theories. Continuous-wave laser operation in Tm:KYW crystal under laser diode pumping at 802 nm and 1750 nm was demonstrated with slope efficiency of 53% and 28% and output power of about 555 mW and 86 mW, respectively. PACS 42.55.Xi; 42.60.Pk; 42.70.Hj     

Mid-Infrared Emission Characteristic and Energy Transfer of Ho<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-Doped Tellurite Glass Sensitized by Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

We report on 2.0-μm emission characteristic and energy transfer of Ho³⁺-doped tellurite glass sensitized by Tm³⁺ upon excitation of a conventional 808 nm laser diode. The Judd-Ofelt strength parameters, spontaneous radiative transition probabilities and radiative lifetime of Ho³⁺ have been calculated from the absorption spectra by using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Significant enhancement of 2.0-μm emission of Ho³⁺ has been observed with increasing Tm³⁺ doping up to 0.7 mol%. The energy transfer coefficient of the forward Tm³⁺→Ho³⁺ is approximately 17 times larger than that of the backward Tm³⁺←Ho³⁺ energy transfer. Our result indicates that the maximum gain of 2.0-μm emission, assigned to the transition of ⁵I₇→⁵I₈ of Ho³⁺, might be achieved from the tellurite glass at the concentration of 0.5 mol% of Tm₂O₃ and 0.15 mol% of Ho₂O₃. The high gain coefficient and quantum efficiency (1.16) along with the large value of the product of the stimulated emission cross-section and the measured radiative lifetime (4.12×10⁻²⁷ m²s) of the Ho³⁺/Tm³⁺-codoped tellurite glasses might find potential applications in efficient 2.0-μm laser.     

Growth,spectroscopic and laser properties of Yb<Superscript>3<Emphasis Type="Bold">+</Emphasis></Superscript>-doped GdAl<Subscript>3</Subscript>(BO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript> crystal: a candidate for infrared laser crystal

Yb³⁺:GdAl₃(BO₃)₄ (hereafter Yb³⁺:GAB) crystals with large sizes and good optical quality have been grown by the top-seed solution growth (TSSG) method. The polarized absorption and emission spectra have been investigated at room temperature. For the σ-polarization, the intensities of both absorption and emission spectra are stronger than those for the π-polarization, the σ-absorption cross section of Yb³⁺ in GAB being 3.43×10^-20 cm² at 977 nm, and the σ-emission cross section being 0.98×10^-20 cm² at 1045 nm. The fluorescence lifetime of the ² F _5/2→² F _7/2 transition was measured to be 800 μs in the 5% doped sample used for our laser experiments, 993 μs in a 10% doped sample and 569 μs in a 0.5% doped sample. The laser parameters were estimated as: β_min=0.022, I_sat=10.4 kW/cm² and I_min=0.23 kW/cm². About 0.4 W laseroutput at the wavelength of 1043 nm was achieved when the Yb³⁺:GAB crystal was pumped by a 974 nm laser diode, with 27.4% slope efficiency. PACS 42.55.-f; 42.70.Hj; 78.20.-e; 81.10.Dn     

Improvement of thermal and spectroscopic behavior of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doped tellurite glass for lasing materials

Tellurite glasses (TeO₂–ZnO–Nb₂O₅) mono-doped Er³⁺ and co-doped Er³⁺/Ce³⁺ have been prepared using the melt-quenching technique. To evaluate the effect of Ce³⁺ on the structural, thermal stability of glass hosts and fluorescence properties of Er³⁺, X-ray diffraction patterns, Ftir spectra, differential scanning calorimeter curves, absorption spectra, fluorescence emission spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, up-conversion emission spectra of glass samples were measured and investigated. Using Judd–Ofelt theory, we calculated intensity parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆), spontaneous emission probabilities, the radiative lifetime, luminescence branching factors and the quantum yield of luminescence for ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition. The co-doping with Ce³⁺ was effective on the suppression of up-conversion emission of Er³⁺ owing to the phonon-assisted energy transfer: Er³⁺:⁴I_11/2 + Ce³⁺:²F_5/2 → Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2 + Ce³⁺:²F_7/2 which contributed the effective enhancement of 1.53 µm fluorescence emission. The change in optical properties with the addition of Ce³⁺ ions have been discussed and compared with other glasses. Using the Mc Cumber method for the ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, absorption cross-section, calculated emission cross-section, and gain cross-section values support that TZNEr1Ce1 glass is a potential material for developing broad-band and high-gain erbium-doped fiber amplifiers applied for 1.53 µm.     

Spectroscopic properties of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystals codoped with HfO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The results of the spectroscopic analysis of transition strengths for Er³⁺ ions in a series of Hf:Er:LiNbO₃ crystals with variable Hf content and fixed Er content are reported. Unpolarized UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra, upconversion fluorescence spectra excited at 800 nm, and microsecond time-resolved spectra excited at 400 nm and 800 nm by 800 nm femtosecond laser were measured at room temperature. The HfO₂ incorporation has influence on Er³⁺ radiative lifetimes, and fluorescence branching ratios. For Hf(4 mol %):Er(1 mol %):LiNbO₃, Ω₂=2.63×10^-20 cm², Ω₄=2.86×10^-20 cm², and Ω₆=0.72×10^-20 cm². Ω₂<Ω₄ is contrary to the Er³⁺ general trend of Ω₂>Ω₄>Ω₆ when the Hf content is below its threshold concentration. In addition, the sum of Ω increases with the Hf content when the HfO₂ content below 6 mol % is unfamiliar. The upconversion mechanism is discussed in this work. PACS 71.20.Eh; 77.84.Dy; 42.62.Fi; 42.65.Ky     

Excited state absorption,energy levels,and thermal conductivity of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>:YAB

Polarized excited state absorption spectra of Er, Yb:YAB are reported. The Stark levels of the ⁴I_15/2, ⁴I_13/2, and ⁴I_11/2 multiplets of Er³⁺ have been derived from the measured low-temperature absorption and fluorescence spectra. The stimulated emission spectra have been calculated using the reciprocity method, and the radiative lifetime of the erbium ⁴I_13/2 level has been determined indicating high nonradiative decay rates. The thermal conductivity of Er-Yb-codoped YAB crystals has been measured.     

Determination of the crystal composition from the OH<Superscript>-</Superscript> vibrational spectrum in lithium niobate

A simple and accurate spectroscopic method is proposed to determine the composition of LiNbO₃ crystals close to the stoichiometric composition. The method is based on the evaluation of the vibrational spectrum of hydroxyl ions that are always present in air-grown crystals. The intensity ratio R=I₃₄₈₀/I₃₄₆₅ of two band components peaking at about 3480 and 3465 cm^-1 changes linearly with Li₂O content in the 49.7–50.0 mol % range. Thermal effects influencing the redistribution of hydroxyl ions among the different lattice sites have also been taken into account. On comparing the results with the calibration based on ultraviolet absorption edge measurements, an absolute accuracy of at about 0.02 mol % was obtained. PACS 42.70.Mp; 61.50.Nw; 78.30.-j     

Up-conversion emissions of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> codoped Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles by the arc discharge synthesis method

The Er³⁺-Yb³⁺ codoped Al₂O₃ nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 50 nm have been synthesized by an arc discharge synthesis method. The green and red up-conversion emissions centered at about 526, 547 and 677 nm, corresponding respectively to the ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, were detected by a 978-nm semiconductor laser diode excitation. The Annealing has evident effect on the up-conversion emissions of the samples: The red up-conversion emission is noticeable before annealing; however, the green up-conversion emission becomes predominant after annealing. The mixture of (Er,Yb)₃Al₅O₁₂ and α-(Al,Er,Yb)₂O₃ phases is more favorable for green up-conversion emissions due to an enhancement of the ESA (I) of ⁴I_11/2+a photon→⁴F_7/2 and ET (III) of ²F_5/2(Yb³⁺)+⁴I_11/2(Er³⁺)→²F_7/2(Yb³⁺)+⁴F_7/2(Er³⁺) processes. The two-photon absorption up-conversion process is involved in the green and red up-conversion emissions. The results have proved that arc discharge synthesis is a new promising preparation technology for optical materials. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 10804015), the Scientific Research Foundation for Doctor of Liaoning Province (Grant No. 20071095), and the Educational Committee Foundation of Liaoning Province (Grant No. 2008123)     

混合形成体对掺铒碲酸盐玻璃的热力学稳定性和发光性能的影响

研究了混合形成体效应对掺铒碲酸盐玻璃热力学稳定性、1.53 μm发光特性和上转换发光强度的影响.通过拉曼光谱测试,分析了WO₃,Nb₂O₅,GeO₂等氧化物对Er³⁺离子配位场结构,以及对发光谱的非均匀展宽机理的作用.结果表明,通过掺杂适当声子能量的网络形成体氧化物,不但可获得热力学稳定性较好的玻璃,还可有效降低Er³⁺离子⁴I_11/2能级的寿命,在抑制Er³⁺离子在可见光波段的上转换发光的同时不致劣化其在1.53 μm的发光特性.本文制得的碲酸盐玻璃具有较大的受激发射截面((9.64—10.96)×10^-21cm²)和荧光半高宽(FWHM)(50—67 nm),热力学稳定性良好,是一种理想的掺Er³⁺宽带有源光纤用基质玻璃. 关键词： 掺铒碲酸盐玻璃 混合形成体 1.53 μm发光 声子能量     

Intensities of hypersensitive transitions in garnet crystals doped with Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions

We examine the oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of yttrium-aluminum, scandium-containing, and gallium garnet crystals doped with Er³⁺ ions. A comparative analysis of the oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of garnets with different contents of Al³⁺ and Sc³⁺ ions (Gd_2.4Er_0.5Sc_1.8Al_3.3O₁₂, Gd_2.4Er_0.5Sc_1.9Al_3.2O₁₂, Gd_2.4Er_0.5Sc_2.0Al_3.1O₁₂) is performed, as a result of which the oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of these crystals are shown to have close values. We find that Ca₃(NbGa)₅O₁₂ crystals doped with Er³⁺ ions are characterized by highest values of the oscillator strengths for hypersensitive transitions and of the intensity parameter Ω₂ of Er³⁺ ions compared to the values of these quantities in the examined garnet crystals, which is determined by the fact that the symmetry of the local environment of Er³⁺ ions in these crystals is C ₁, C ₂, or C _2ν. We reveal that, as the concentration of Er³⁺ ions in these crystals increases from 1 to 39 at %, both the oscillator strength of the hypersensitive transition ⁴ I _15/2 → ² H _11/2 of Er³⁺ ions and their intensity parameter Ω₂ tend to decrease, which can be related to an increase in the relative fraction of Er³⁺ ions with higher symmetry of the local environment.