1.54 and 1.75 μm infrared luminescence of Y2O3:Er

A new 1.75 μm infrared emission transition of Y₂O₃:Er³⁺ is assigned to the ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2 transition of Er³⁺ ions situated at the C₂ sites of cubic RE₂O₃ (RE = Y, Gd, Lu). The intensities of features in the 1.54 μm ⁴I_15/2–⁴I_13/2 absorption transition due to Er³⁺ at S₆ and C₂ sites are consistent with the site occupation ratio and the relative magnetic dipole–electric dipole intensity contributions of Er³⁺ at the different sites. The 1.54 μm emission lines are predominantly from Er³⁺ ions at C₂ sites. The different behaviours of the emission intensities 1.75 and 1.54 μm groups with change in Er³⁺ dopant ion concentration, preparation technique, Yb³⁺ co-doping, temperature change and different excitation line are rationalized.