Upconversion luminescence of Er/Yb-codoped natrium-germanium-bismuth glasses

The absorption and upconversion fluorescence spectra of a series of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-codoped natrium-germanium-bismuth glasses have been studied. The transition probabilities, excited state lifetimes, and the branching ratios have been predicted for Er³⁺ based on the Judd-Ofelt theory. At room temperature, an upconversion efficiency of 6.1×10⁻² has been obtained for the green emission from the glass with 0.5 wt% Er₂O₃ and 3.0 wt% Yb₂O₃ pumped by 980 nm radiation with an intensity of 270 W/cm². And the “standardized” efficiency for green upconversion light is higher than that reported in lead-germanate, lead-tellurite-germanate, and silicate glasses. The results indicate that the Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-codoped natrium-germanium-bismuth oxide glass may be a potential material for developing upconversion optic devices.